Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday that she is under judicial investigation following the unexpected release of a Libyan police officer wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The officer, Osama Elmasry Njeem, also known as Osama Almasri Njeem, was freed last week after being detained briefly under an ICC arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. The ICC criticized the decision, stating it had not been consulted and demanded an explanation.
Meloni revealed in a social media post that prosecutors suspect her of embezzlement and aiding and abetting a crime in connection with the case.
Under Italian law, being placed under investigation does not imply guilt or necessarily lead to formal charges, and Meloni is not required to step down.
“I will not be blackmailed, I will not allow myself to be intimidated, which is why I am, let’s say, disliked by those who do not want Italy to change and become better,” Meloni said in a video shared on her Facebook profile.
She added that Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Cabinet Undersecretary for intelligence matters Alfredo Mantovano are also under investigation.