Italy Sparks Outrage After Releasing Ossama Anjiem, a Libyan Warlord on Legal Technicality
Italy has come under fire from human rights organizations and opposition lawmakers after releasing Libyan warlord Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, due to a procedural error. Al-Masri, who faces International Criminal Court (ICC) charges for war crimes and crimes against humanity, was detained in Turin but was flown back to Libya on Tuesday following his release.
Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio was criticized for the decision, with the Rome Court of Appeals citing that Nordio’s office should have been informed in advance of al-Masri’s arrest. Al-Masri, accused of overseeing atrocities at Libya’s notorious Mitiga prison since 2011, was welcomed in Tripoli with celebrations upon his return.
Human rights groups, including Mediterranea Saving Humans, condemned the decision, highlighting years of documented abuse under al-Masri’s leadership at Mitiga prison. Rev. Mattia Ferrari, a chaplain for the group, stated that many migrants have suffered violence, sexual assault, and other atrocities within Mitiga.
Opposition lawmakers, including former Premier Matteo Renzi, slammed the government for hypocrisy. Renzi labeled the move as “madness,” accusing the administration of undermining its claims to combat human trafficking. The Democratic Party called for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to explain the release, stressing the seriousness of the case given Italy’s controversial migration policies and ties to Libya.
Italy’s cooperation with the Libyan government, including funding the Libyan coast guard, has been criticized for complicity in human rights abuses. Humanitarian organizations noted that militias operating detention centers in Libya, often implicated in abuse, are linked to state forces funded by the EU. The ICC has yet to comment on the incident, but the European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with the court.
Source: africanews