International Criminal Court Opens Investigation into Italy’s Failure to Cooperate with Arrest of Libyan Official
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated an internal investigation into the Italian government’s decision to release Njeem Osama Almasri, the head of the Libyan judicial police, after his arrest in January 2023. Almasri, wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity, had an international arrest warrant issued by the ICC, which Italy failed to implement. The investigation, a “non-compliance procedure,” accuses Italy of not cooperating with the ICC’s request to arrest and transfer Almasri, who was later released and sent back to Libya. This marks the first such investigation against a European country for non-compliance with the ICC. The Italian government has offered conflicting explanations for its decision, with Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio citing irregularities in the arrest warrant and Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi calling Almasri too dangerous to remain in Italy. Critics suggest the decision may be tied to Italy’s close relations with Libyan militias, raising concerns of political motives. The ICC’s investigation continues, with Italy having the opportunity to present observations.
Major Anti-Mafia Operation in Palermo: 183 Arrests and a Historic Blow to Cosa Nostra
A massive anti-mafia operation led by the Carabinieri in Palermo and its province resulted in 183 arrests, targeting key members of Cosa Nostra in various districts including Porta Nuova, Pagliarelli, and Bagheria. The suspects are charged with a range of crimes, including mafia association, attempted murder, extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal gambling. The operation, which involved over 1,200 Carabinieri, also uncovered the use of encrypted mobile phones by mafia members to avoid surveillance. This action is being hailed as one of the most significant blows to the Sicilian mafia in years, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to fighting organized crime. National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor Giovanni Melillo pointed out weaknesses in the prison system, where mafia members continue to communicate freely. Palermo’s mayor, Roberto Lagalla, praised the operation as a historic strike against Cosa Nostra’s attempts to reorganize using modern technology.
Italian Investigators Block Fraudsters’ Foreign Accounts After Fake Minister Scam
Italian investigators have blocked two foreign bank accounts used by fraudsters who impersonated Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and his staff to scam prominent businessmen. The fraudsters convinced their targets to transfer large sums of money, claiming it was needed to pay a ransom for kidnapped Italian journalists in the Middle East. Former Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti is reported to have transferred nearly one million euros to these accounts, which investigators are now tracking. The investigation, led by the Milan prosecutor’s office, includes charges of organized crime, fraud, and identity theft, with at least one fraudster using voice-mimicking software to impersonate Crosetto. Other business leaders, including Marco Tronchetti Provera, Diego Della Valle, and Giorgio Armani, were also targeted, though most calls were blocked. Moratti’s transfer, made to a Dutch account, was later moved to Hong Kong and is now considered difficult to recover.
EU to Respond Firmly to US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Exports
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep regret over the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports. In a statement on social media, she affirmed that the EU would take action to protect its economic interests, ensuring the protection of workers, businesses, and consumers. Von der Leyen warned that the unjustified tariffs would not go unanswered and would prompt firm and proportional countermeasures from the EU.
Sanremo 2025 Kicks Off with Star-Studded Lineup and Big Performances
The 75th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival, directed by Carlo Conti, begins tonight on Rai 1 at 8:40 PM. Conti will guide the audience through the first listening of the 29 competing songs, with Antonella Clerici and Gerry Scotti joining him as co-hosts. Special guests include Noa, Mira Awad, Jovanotti, and Ezio Bosso, with Raf performing on the Suzuki Stage. Here the confirmed lineup of performers for the first day:
Gaia – Chiamo io chiami tu
Francesco Gabbani – Viva la vita
Rkomi – Il ritmo delle cose
Noemi – Se ti innamori muori
Irama – Lentamente
Coma Cose – Cuoricini
Simone Cristicchi – Quando sarai piccola
Marcella Bella – Pelle diamante
Achille Lauro – Incoscienti Giovani
Giorgia – La cura per me
Willie Peyote – Grazie ma no grazie
Rose Villain – Fuorilegge
Olly – Balorda nostalgia
Elodie – Dimenticarsi alle 7
Shablo ft. Guè, Joshua e Tormento – La mia parola
Massimo Ranieri – Tra le mani un cuore
Tony Effe – Damme ‘na mano
Serena Brancale – Anema e core
Brunori SAS – L’albero delle noci
Modà – Non ti dimentico
Clara – Febbre
Lucio Corsi – Volevo essere un duro
Fedez – Battito
Bresh – La tana del granchio
Sarah Toscano – Amarcord
Joan Thiele – Eco
Rocco Hunt – Mille vot’ ancora
Francesca Michielin – Fango in paradiso
The Kolors – Tu con chi fai l’amore?
