Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been placed under investigation over a government decision to release a Libyan police officer wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Here is the background to the case and a look at what might happen next.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy announced on Tuesday that she was being investigated by Italian prosecutors for her alleged role in aiding and abetting the release last week of a Libyan official wanted on war crimes charges.

Migrants have criticized Italy for releasing a Libyan officer accused of war crimes, citing betrayal and fear. Arrested in Italy, Osama Elmasry Njeem was freed due to a procedural error. The incident has raised concerns over Italy’s reliance on Libyan security forces amid allegations of human rights abuses.