Rome— Appearing in a video posted on her Facebook platform, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday that she had been placed under investigation on the grounds of a government decision to release a Libyan police officer who was previously arrested in Turin on orders by the International Criminal Court (ICC). She took high ground as she slammed those politicians who criticized her action.
“I will not be blackmailed, I will not allow myself to be intimidated, which may be why I am, let’s say, disliked by those who do not want Italy to change and become better,” Meloni said. Rome’s chief prosecutor, Francesco Le Voi, accused her for allegedly aiding and abetting a crime and misuse of public funds.
“Today’s news is this: the Attorney General Francesco Le Voi, the same as the failed trial of Matteo Salvini for kidnapping, he just sent me a notice of investigation for the crimes of aiding and abetting and embezzlement in relation to the affair of the repatriation of the Libyan citizen “Almasri”. The Prime Minister said as quoted by Nova News.
On Wednesday, she also wrote on Facebook “our commitment to defend Italy will continue, as always, with determination and without hesitation. When the security of the Nation and the interests of Italians are at stake, there is no room for steps backwards. Straight on our path.”
Meanwhile, the Libya Government of National Unity (GNU) has not made any comments on the political controversy that is ongoing in Italy.
PM Meloni said also the Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and the cabinet undersecretary for intelligence matters, Alfredo Mantovano have also been placed under investigation.
She slammed lawyer Luigi Li Gotti who she said was behind the submission of the controversial complaint over the release of Brigadier General Osama Najim, the head of Tripoli Judicial Police.
“I assume following a complaint that was filed by the lawyer Luigi LiGotti, former left-wing politician, very close to Romano Prodi, known for having defended repentants of the caliber of Buscetta, Brusca and other Mafiosi,” she said.
The Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and the Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi are due to address parliament on Wednesday to give more information on what happened in a case that has soured relations between Rome and the ICC.
Defending her government’s decision to set the Libyan officer free, Meloni said Najim had visited three European countries over a 12-day period before reaching Italy, and it was only at that point that the ICC asked for his arrest.
Directing her wrath towards political opponents, Meloni said ‘it is possible that for this reason I am, let’s say, unpopular with those who do not want Italy to change and become better, But also and above all for this reason I intend to continue on my path in defense of Italians, especially when the security of the nation is at stake. With my head held high and without fear.”