Human rights organizations and opposition lawmakers in Italy have condemned the release of a Libyan warlord accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ossama Anjiem, known as Ossama al-Masri, was freed on a technicality after his arrest on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
Al-Masri, who leads the Tripoli branch of the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution, a notorious detention network linked to gross human rights abuses was arrested in Turin on Sunday.
The ICC warrant, dated January 18, accuses al-Masri of war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly at the Mitiga prison in Libya since 2011. Such charges carry a potential life sentence.
On Tuesday, Rome’s court of appeals ordered his release, citing a procedural error. The court noted that Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio should have been informed in advance, as his ministry oversees relations with the ICC.
Al-Masri was quickly sent back to Libya aboard an aircraft belonging to the Italian secret services. Upon arrival at Mitiga airport in Tripoli, he was greeted by jubilant supporters, who carried him on their shoulders in a scene captured on video and shared widely on social media.
The release sparked fury among Italian opposition leaders. Former Premier Matteo Renzi of the Italia Viva party lambasted the government for what he called blatant hypocrisy.
“When a trafficker whom the International Criminal Court tells us is a dangerous criminal lands on your table, it’s not like you chase him down—you brought him home to Libya with a plane of the Italian secret services. Either you’ve gone crazy, or this is the image of a hypocritical, indecent government.”
Former Premier Matteo Renzi
Lawmakers from the Democratic Party called for answers from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, insisting the case raised “grave questions” about Italy’s stance on international justice.
“It’s critical to understand why al-Masri was in Italy and why he was freed with such urgency despite the international arrest warrant,” said Democratic lawmaker Paolo Ciani. He argued that the decision “appeared to be political.”
Reports suggest the Italian secret services dispatched the plane to retrieve al-Masri even before the court’s ruling, implying the decision to release him may have come directly from Meloni’s office.
Human Rights Concerns and EU Implications
Italy’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups. Amnesty International described the decision as a “stunning blow to victims, survivors, and international justice,” arguing that procedural errors should not absolve Italy of its ICC obligations.
“The failure of the Italian authorities to follow internal procedures is not a valid reason for not fulfilling their obligations,” Amnesty stated.
Tarik Lamloum, a Libyan activist with the Belaady Organization for Human Rights, expressed little surprise at al-Masri’s release. He emphasized the influence of Tripoli militias, which control migration flows and hold significant sway over European nations reliant on their cooperation.
“Tripoli militias are able to pressure [Italy] because they control the migrants file,” Lamloum said.
Militias in western Libya, including some led by individuals sanctioned by the United Nations, manage state detention centers notorious for migrant abuses. These groups also oversee the Libyan coast guard, which receives millions of euros in EU funding to curb migration to Europe.
The European Commission reiterated its commitment to ICC cooperation. Spokesman Anouar El Anouni affirmed that all EU member states had pledged to assist the court, adding, “We respect the court’s impartiality and are fully attached to international criminal justice to combat impunity.”
A Blow to Justice and a Test of Italy’s Accountability
The controversy underscores the complex dynamics between Italy, Libya, and the EU. Italy has close ties to Libya’s government and has financed its coast guard to block migrants from crossing the Mediterranean. However, this relationship has drawn accusations of complicity in the abuses occurring within Libya’s detention facilities.
Humanitarian organizations, including Mediterranea Saving Humans and Refugees in Libya, expressed dismay over the release. “Those of us who managed to survive believed it was possible to achieve justice,” they said in a joint statement. “Instead, we have witnessed something shameful, unbelievable in how brazenly it was conducted.”
As international pressure mounts, Italy faces scrutiny over its handling of the case and its commitment to justice. The release of a warlord accused of heinous crimes raises profound concerns about accountability and the integrity of international law.
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