Judges at the International Criminal Court have officially asked Italy on Monday to explain why the country released a Libyan man suspected of torture, murder and rape rather than sending him to The Hague.

Italy’s actions are indicative of a systemic issue where legal technicalities are exploited to shield individuals who serve imperialist agendas.

Judges at the International Criminal Court are investigating whether Italy's release of a Libyan military officer wanted for war crimes by the tribunal breaches the court's statute, a court spokesperson said on Monday.

Osama Elmasry Njeem was released and flown home to Tripoli two days after being detained last month in northern Italy on the back of the ICC warrant which said he was suspected of the murder, torture and rape of detainees in Libya.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is probing Italy's release of Osama Elmasry Njeem, a Libyan officer wanted for war crimes. His release after arrest in Italy has ignited political outrage. The ICC may refer the case to its governing body or the UN Security Council for further action.

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.

Meloni’s critics have accused her government of releasing Njeem to protect an agreement with Libya to block the departure of migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Ending illegal migration to Italy has been the main pillar of Meloni’s legislative agenda since she came to power in 2022.

Libyan warlord Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri. Judges at the International Criminal Court have officially asked Italy on Monday to explain why the country released a Libyan man suspected of torture,