Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been placed under judicial investigation after her government allowed the release of Osama Elmasry Njeem, a Libyan police officer wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes including murder, torture, and rape.

Njeem, detained in Turin, was released last week and flown back to Libya by an Italian state aircraft.

The ICC has raised concerns over not being consulted before his release.

Meloni confirmed the investigation, which includes accusations of aiding and abetting a crime and misuse of public funds.

She is not required to resign as the investigation does not imply guilt or lead to formal charges.

Other officials involved in the decision, including Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, have also been placed under investigation.

Meloni has defended the decision, citing national security concerns related to Libya's role in controlling migration.

The investigation has been triggered by a complaint filed by lawyer Luigi Li Gotti, who questioned the use of public funds in flying Njeem back to Tripoli.

While opposition leaders criticize the government's actions, Meloni's supporters view the investigation as politically motivated amid ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the government over legal reforms.

The ICC has not commented on the investigation but has expressed concern over the case's impact on its relationship with Italy.