In a video posted on X, Meloni said she was being investigated “for the crimes of aiding and abetting … in connection with the repatriation of [Njeem].” She argued the ICC warrant had not been recognized by Italy’s courts and claimed she was the target of a left-wing conspiracy.
“I can’t be blackmailed, I can’t be intimidated,” Meloni added, suggesting the probe against her came from those who don’t want to see “Italy change, to become better.”
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi are also being investigated, she said.
Piantedosi said last week he had given the order to deport the Libyan warlord “for reasons of state security.”
Njeem’s release triggered a wave of outrage from Italy’s opposition, human rights groups and the ICC itself, which issued a statement reminding Rome of its obligation “to cooperate fully with the Court in its investigations and prosecutions of crimes.”
As a founding member of the ICC, Italy is required to hand over wanted individuals to the court for trial.
