THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Judges at the International Criminal Court have officially asked Italy on Monday to explain why the country released a Libyan man suspected of torture, murder and rape rather than sending him to The Hague.

Judges at the International Criminal Court are investigating whether Italy's release of a Libyan military officer wanted for war crimes by the tribunal breaches the court's statute, a court spokesperson said on Monday.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, left, and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio attend a debate in the Italian lower Chamber in Rome, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, over the controversial repatriation,

Libyan warlord Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri. Judges at the International Criminal Court have officially asked Italy on Monday to explain why the country released a Libyan man suspected of torture,