Prime Minister Under Scrutiny
The Rome prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and several government officials. The inquiry concerns the release of a Libyan national accused of torture. Meloni personally informed the public about the case through a video shared on social media. Speaking with a mix of indignation and amusement, she accused the prosecutor of political bias.
“The news today is that Rome’s Chief Prosecutor, Francesco Lo Voi—the same one who failed to convict Matteo Salvini—has notified me that I am under investigation for aiding and abetting and embezzlement,” Meloni stated in her video. She suggested that some might dislike the changes she is implementing in Italy but insisted she would not be intimidated. “I am not blackmailable, and I will not be scared. I will continue with my head held high and without fear,” she declared.
The Controversial Release of a Libyan Official
The investigation revolves around the arrest and subsequent release of Libyan national Najeem Osama Almasri. The Tripoli police chief was detained in Turin on January 19 under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, just three days later, he was freed and flown back to Libya on an Italian Air Force Falcon jet—an expense covered by taxpayers.
Almasri faces charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly overseeing a torture camp for migrants. However, Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio did not sign off on the arrest, leaving the judge with no option but to release him. This decision sparked outrage, with opposition parties branding his repatriation a “luxury deportation.” Critics suspect that Meloni’s government orchestrated a covert deal with Libya to secure its cooperation in preventing migrants from crossing into Europe.
Meloni’s administration relies on Libya to stop migrant departures, even if that means tolerating inhumane practices. To maintain good relations with Tripoli, the Italian government allegedly ignored the ICC’s arrest warrant and sent Almasri home. This suspicion has fueled political tensions, with accusations that the Italian government prioritized diplomatic interests over international justice.
The inquiry also includes Justice Minister Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Meloni’s Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano. However, Meloni argues that the case is politically motivated, linking it to broader tensions between her government and the judiciary.
Political Retaliation or Judicial Independence?
For months, a fierce battle has raged between Meloni’s government and Italy’s judiciary. Her proposed justice reforms seek to limit judicial autonomy—an initiative widely criticized by judges and prosecutors as unconstitutional. Many see the investigations against Meloni as a possible act of retaliation by the judiciary.
In Italy, prosecutors operate with unparalleled independence, reporting neither to Parliament nor the executive. While this autonomy has proven essential in tackling corruption and uncovering political-mafia ties, it has also led to concerns about politically driven legal battles. Critics argue that some prosecutors use their authority for personal or ideological crusades.
This pattern is not new. The left-leaning newspaper La Stampa recently noted that seven of the last twelve Italian prime ministers have faced legal proceedings while in office. Only one—Silvio Berlusconi—was ever convicted. Statistically, Meloni may have little to fear from the current investigation, but the case underscores the deep divide between Italy’s political and judicial institutions.
The ongoing inquiry will test the balance between judicial independence and political accountability in Italy. Whether the allegations against Meloni and her ministers hold merit or serve as a political counterattack remains to be seen.