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.

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.

Meloni said that she was suspected by prosecutors of embezzlement and aiding and abetting a crime in connection with the case.

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

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.

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

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 has been placed under investigation over a government decision to release a Libyan police officer wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).