The Rome Court of Ministers has officially dismissed a case against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concerning the release of Osama Almasri Njeem, a Libyan policeman accused of severe human rights abuses. Despite the dismissal, ongoing charges will persist against several of Meloni's cabinet members including Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Cabinet Secretary Alfredo Mantovano.

The case centers around the detainment and subsequent release of Njeem, who currently leads the Tripoli branch of the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution. These centers are infamous for their systematic violations of human rights, as documented by UN Human Rights Council reports. Njeem faces accusations from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity and war crimes, including imprisonment, murder, and torture under the Rome Statute.

Despite the serious allegations, Prime Minister Meloni stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the dismissal of her charges was "absurd," arguing that such government decisions typically involve her consultation. She further noted that the arrest request from the ICC was never officially presented to the Italian Ministry of Justice, thus preventing its validation. This oversight was defended by Meloni, who argued that Njeem’s repatriation was conducted in the interest of Italian national security.

In response, Justice Minister Nodio cited "inaccuracies, omissions, discrepancies, and contradictory conclusions" in the ICC's arrest warrant, challenging its credibility. The ICC, under Article 86 of the Rome Statute, mandates that states cooperate with its directives. However, Italian authorities proceeded to release Njeem without ICC consultation on January 21, shortly after his arrest in Turin.

This decision has sparked a significant legal and political turmoil, reflecting the complex interplay of international law, national security, and governmental responsibility. The case's dismissal does not signal an end to the controversy, as the broader implications for international justice and Italy’s obligations under the Rome Statute continue to loom large.