Back in the Limelight

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is under investigation for allegedly aiding and abetting a Libyan warlord wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to escape prosecution, part of a growing scandal in the country that has put her far-right government under increasing scrutiny, the Associated Press reported.

In a video posted Tuesday on her Instagram account, Meloni said that prosecutors are now investigating her, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and the cabinet undersecretary for intelligence matters, Alfredo Mantovano, the BBC said.

Meloni said there were political motives behind the investigation, pointing out that the lawyer who filed the complaint is a former left-wing politician, while the prosecutor leading this investigation had been involved in the investigation of Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini in a long-running trial over his refusal to let a migrant rescue boat dock in Italy in 2019.

She said she cannot be “blackmailed” and “intimidated.”

Earlier this month, Italy arrested Ossama Anjiem – also known as Ossama al-Masri – on an ICC warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity, only to unexpectedly release him a few days later on a technicality.

Anjiem’s controversial release has been criticized by the Italian opposition, human rights groups, and the ICC, with critics pointing out how Italy needs Libya’s cooperation to keep migrant flows under control. Migrants from Africa and elsewhere heading to Europe often cross the Mediterranean Sea in boats originating from Libya.

The Italian prime minister is the leader of an anti-migrant party known as Brothers of Italy and she has pledged to stop illegal immigration and human trafficking.

Similar to her predecessors, Meloni has made controversial deals with Libyan authorities and militias to end illegal immigration.