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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Osama Elmasry Njeem is wanted by the International Criminal Court, which has demanded an explanation. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says she has been placed under judicial investigation over Italy's surprise release of a Libyan citizen who had been wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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.

Premier Giorgia Meloni kept up her tough talking on Wednesday, saying she will continue to do what is needed to defend Italy, after saying on Tuesday that she was received notification she is under investigation over a Libyan police official who was sent back home from Italy after being detained on an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.