Migrants who suffered abuse in Libya have expressed shock and dismay over Italy’s decision to release Osama Elmasry Njeem, a Libyan policeman wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Njeem, accused of murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence against migrants in Libya since February 2015, was arrested in Italy on January 19, 2025 but was freed just two days later due to a procedural issue and flown back to Libya on a government plane.
At a press conference in the Italian parliament on January 29, survivors, including David Yambio, a South Sudanese migrant and head of the “Refugees in Libya” group, described their ongoing trauma. “Every single day I see him in my dream,” Yambio said, adding that he and others feel deeply betrayed by Italy’s decision. Another migrant, Lam Magok, called Njeem a “very dangerous and aggressive” figure who personally beat him in prison.
The Italian government has faced severe backlash over the release, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and two ministers now under judicial investigation for possible misuse of public funds and aiding and abetting a crime. Opposition politicians and human rights groups argue that Italy freed Njeem to maintain its alliance with Libyan security forces, which play a key role in curbing migrant crossings into Europe.
Despite mounting criticism, the Italian government has denied any wrongdoing. Yambio and his group have sought an explanation from Meloni but have yet to receive a response.