Italy's justice minister has strongly defended the government's decision to free and repatriate a Libyan warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court.

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

International court demands answers after Italy released Osama Elmasry Njeem, who is accused of abusing detainees.

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.

Migrants have criticized Italy for releasing a Libyan officer accused of war crimes, citing betrayal and fear. Arrested in Italy, Osama Elmasry Njeem was freed due to a procedural error. The incident has raised concerns over Italy’s reliance on Libyan security forces amid allegations of human rights abuses.

Najim's repatriation has caused a major political row in Italy, and a special court is considering an investigation into Meloni, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedos for their roles in the Libyan's release. Meloni has called the probe politically motivated.

Migrants expressed their dismay and sense of betrayal on Wednesday over Italy's decision last week to release a Libyan policeman wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and human rights abuses and allow him to return home.

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