Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday an investigation targeting her over the release of a Libyan war crimes suspect was bad publicity that could push away much-needed foreign investment.

In contrast, Ms Meloni is the leader of a nationalist party with protectionist instincts. ■ For more expert analysis of the biggest stories in economics, finance and markets, sign up to Money Talks, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.

Giorgia Meloni says Rome prosecutors have opened an investigation against her and two government ministers for repatriating a Libyan warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with her justice and interior ministers, is under judicial investigation over Italy’s unexpected decision to release Libyan national Najeem Osema Almasri Habish.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday she had been placed under judicial investigation following a government decision to release a Libyan police officer wanted by the International Criminal Court.

Osama Elmasry Njeem is suspected of crimes against humanity including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence as a prison overseer in Tripoli.

After forging unexpectedly fond ties with President Biden, Italy’s right-wing Premier Giorgia Meloni is poised to leverage a more natural alliance with incoming President Trump that positions her as a key interlocutor between the U.

Italy’s prime minister has addressed growing criticism of the repatriation of a Libyan warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court.

Giorgia Meloni is under investigation for the release and repatriation of the wanted Libyan general Osama Najim — also known as Almasri.

Prosecutors are looking into how Osama Najim, a militiaman under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, was allowed to return to Libya.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday she was under investigation over Italy's expulsion of the Libyan police chief Osama Najim, who is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.