Migrants Sue Italy Over Release of Libyan Warlord Wanted for Crimes Against Humanity

Two migrants are suing Italy in the European Court of Human Rights over its release of a Libyan warlord wanted for crimes against humanity. A man from South Sudan and a woman from the Ivory Coast claim they were tortured in a Libyan detention center controlled by Osama Al-Masri Njeem, who was arrested in Italy in January 2025 on an international arrest warrant issued by the ICC for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including torture, rape, sexual slavery, and murder. Despite this, Al-Masri was released within two days and sent back to Libya on an Italian state jet, sparking a national scandal for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. Italian prosecutors investigating the case found that Al-Masri’s militia was part of Libya’s state security apparatus and collaborated with Italian security services to block illegal boat departures from Libya. The Italian government justified the release citing national security interests and an ongoing Libyan investigation. The plaintiffs allege Italy’s actions breached their right to life and prohibition of torture under the European Convention of Human Rights, leading to a denial of justice. The ECHR has notified Italy of both cases and will decide on admissibility. Meanwhile, the ICC has referred Italy to its Assembly of States Parties over the handling of the Al-Masri case. Following international outcry, Al-Masri was removed from his post and arrested in Libya, where he now appeals the ICC’s jurisdiction. The Italian government has not commented on the lawsuit.