The Italian government unexpectedly released Osama Elmasri Njim due to legal issues.
The International Criminal Court has demanded answers from Italy about why it released a Libyan man suspected of crimes against humanity, war crimes and murder, torture and rape.
On Sunday, Italy detained Osama Elmasry Njeem, also known as Osama Elmasry Njeem, in Turin following a report from the International Criminal Court in The Hague. ), the International Criminal Court has issued an international arrest warrant for him.
However, the Italian government unexpectedly released him on Tuesday over legal issues. He then flew to Tripoli on an official state aircraft.
Njim heads the Tripoli branch of the Reform and Rehabilitation Institutions, a notorious network of detention centers run by government-backed special forces.
Njim is believed to be in charge of the Mitiga detention center in Tripoli and is wanted for murder, rape, sexual violence and torture committed since February 15, 2015.
The ICC said the alleged crimes were committed against detainees because of their religious beliefs, perceived "immoral behavior" or suspected support for or affiliation with other armed groups.
The ICC, which has been investigating suspected serious crimes since Libya's 2011 civil war, said in a statement that it had urged Italy to contact its staff if any problems arose during the arrests.
However, it said Njim was fired without prior notice or consultation.
"The Court is seeking but has not yet received verification from the authorities of the measures reported to have been taken," the ICC said.
"The Court recalls the obligation of all (member states) to cooperate fully with the Court in the investigation and prosecution of criminal acts," the ICC statement said.
Prime Minister Georgia Meloni's office and the Ministry of Justice have not commented on the case.
The Italian government released the warlord on a technicality, saying there were procedural errors in his arrest.
The Rome court's ruling that secured the release said Justice Minister Carlo Nordio should have been notified in advance because the Ministry of Justice handles all relations with the ICC.
The Italian government has close ties with the internationally recognized government in Tripoli.
Any trial in The Hague at Njim would draw unnecessary attention to Italy's immigration policies and its support for the Libyan coast guard, which Italy funds to prevent migrants from leaving.
Esther Major, deputy director of research for Europe at Amnesty International, said: “This is a shocking blow for victims, survivors and international justice, and a missed opportunity to break the cycle of impunity in Libya ”
Despite Italy's move, a European Commission spokesman reiterated the commitment of all 27 EU member states to cooperate with the court.
"We respect the impartiality of the court and fully support international criminal justice and the fight against impunity," European Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni said, adding that at the 2023 summit , EU leaders pledged "full cooperation with the court, including the prompt execution of any outstanding arrests."