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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Italian leader has the potential to serve as a key European ally in the quest for peace in Europe and the Middle East.

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.

The far-right prime minister this week announced that she and two senior ministers were under investigation over the release of Osama Almasri Najim, the head of Libya's judicial police who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Meloni described the probe as 'clearly a deliberate act' and that the prosecutor who passed on the complaint to the court was 'not normal'.