Italian Prime Minister under investigation for releasing ICC suspect

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been placed under judicial investigation following her government's decision to release a Libyan police officer wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Osama Elmasry Njeem was released last week and returned home on an Italian government plane, days after being detained in the northern city of Turin under an ICC arrest warrant, facing charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture and rape.

The ICC has said it wants explanations from the Italian government, insisting it was not consulted about the decision to release the Libyan official.

Meloni said in a message he posted on social media on Tuesday that he had been placed under investigation by Rome's Chief Prosecutor, Francesco Le Voi, for alleged support of crime and misuse of public funds.

Legally, Meloni is not obligated to resign. Being placed under investigation in Italy does not mean he is guilty, nor does it mean he must face formal charges.

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and assistant minister for intelligence affairs Alfredo Mantovano have also been placed under investigation, Meloni added.