Italy’s justice minister strongly defended the government's decision to repatriate a Libyan warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court, saying Wednesday that the court itself had made an "immense mess” of the case by issuing a contradictory and flawed arrest warrant.

Rome's decision to release Osama Almasri Najim drew condemnation from Italian opposition parties, NGOs and the ICC.

Italy's government Wednesday blamed its much-criticised release of a Libyan war crimes suspect on the International Criminal Court (ICC), which it accused of presenting a poorly written arrest warrant.

Italy's justice minister said on Wednesday Rome had no choice but to free a Libyan military officer wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court because of what he described as mistakes and inaccuracies in the court's arrest warrant.

Italy's Far Right Prime Minister is at the centre of an investigation over the release of a Libyan war crimes suspect. Giorgia Meloni revealed she has been placed under judicial investigation over Italy's surprise release of a Libyan citizen who had been wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with her justice and interior ministers, is under judicial investigation over Italy’s unexpected decision to release Libyan national Najeem Osema Almasri Habish.

Italy's government has blamed its much-criticised release of a Libyan war crimes suspect on the International Criminal Court (ICC), which it accused of presenting a poorly written arrest warrant.

Carlo Nordio argued that the ICC’s arrest warrant contained contradictions and procedural flaws, leading Italy’s courts to order Ossama al-Masri’s release. View on euronews