Italy captain Wayne Madsen with the coach during a practice session ahead of their Men’s World Cup T20 match against Scotland in Kolkata on February 8, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

Rome:

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.

Who is the Libyan at the center of the scandal?

Osama Elmasry Njeem is a brigadier general in Libya’s Judicial Police. The ICC says he was also in charge of Tripoli prisons. In a Jan. 22 statement, the ICC said Njeem was suspected of “crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence, allegedly committed in Libya from February 2015 onwards”. A number of his alleged victims are believed to have been migrants.

The ICC said he was assisted by the Special Deterrence Force, one of Tripoli’s main armed factions.

Njeem has not publicly commented on the allegations made against him.

Why did Italy arrest him?

ICC documents show that its prosecutors sought an arrest warrant under seal on Oct. 2, 2024. It was only granted by judges on Jan. 18. At that point, the court knew Njeem was in Italy to watch a soccer match between Juventus and AC Milan, having spent almost two weeks prior in Germany, France and Belgium. The court informed Italian authorities and Njeem was arrested at his Turin hotel early on Jan. 19.

Why did Italy let him go?

The government abruptly freed him on January 21 on procedural grounds because the police who arrested him had failed to inform the justice ministry, officials have said. However, a legal source told Reuters this was a mere technicality and could easily have been overcome. Njeem was immediately put on a government jet and flown to Tripoli. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has said this was done because of his “social dangerousness”. Critics have suggested the government freed him because it relies on Libyan security forces to slow the flow of boat migrants and did not want to antagonise them by arresting such a high profile figure. The government has denied this.

Who made the decision to free him?

Interior Minister Piantedosi said last week Rome’s appeals court ordered Njeem’s release because they considered his arrest non-compliant with procedures. However, it is inconceivable such a move would have been taken without government guidance. That said, there is nothing to indicate Meloni herself was involved in the decision — she was in Washington for U.S. President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration when the case was under review.

Why did Rome prosecutors get involved?

A Rome lawyer, Luigi Li Gotti, last week lodged a short complaint with local prosecutors asking for an investigation into alleged favouritism towards Njeem and alleged misuse of public funds to fly him to Libya on a state plane. He singled out Meloni, Piantedosi, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and the cabinet undersecretary for intelligence matters, Alfredo Mantovano. Li Gotti provided no evidence of wrongdoing but attached press clippings about the case. Under Italian law, it is standard for prosecutors to open an investigation following such a request, unless they regard it as manifestly unfounded. 

Why is the government so cross?

Ministers believe there was no reason to open an investigation. Meloni supporters accused Rome’s chief prosecutor of politicising the case and say it is part of a broader battle pitting magistrates against the government over planned judicial reform that will shake up Italy’s creaking legal system.

What happens next?

Rome prosecutors have sent the investigation documents to the Court of Ministers, which has judges who are drawn by lot. They have the power to investigate ministers, question them and seek state documents. The court has 90 days to make its findings. At that point it can decide whether to dismiss proceedings or send the documents back to the prosecutor’s office recommending that the case proceeds. If, ultimately, the prosecution seeks a trial, parliament would vote on whether or not to allow it. Meloni has a strong majority in both chambers.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Lucknow:

Amid the ongoing celebrations for the Mahakumbh Mela and the arrival of people from foreign countries, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met a delegation from Italy. Founder and trainer of Meditation and Yoga Center in Italy, Mahi Guruji along with his followers made a courtesy visit to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow today.

The women who returned from Prayagraj Mahakumbh recited Ramayana, Shiv Tandava and several bhajans in front of the Chief Minister.

#WATCH लखनऊ: इटली से आए एक प्रतिनिधिमंडल ने उत्तर प्रदेश के मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ से मुलाकात की।

प्रयागराज महाकुंभ से लौटी महिलाओं ने मुख्यमंत्री के सामने रामायण, शिव तांडव और कई भजनों का पाठ किया। pic.twitter.com/nsQhvx2n2y

— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) January 19, 2025

Over 1.7 million pilgrims visited the Mahakumbh Mela on Sunday as of 8:00 AM, according to official data released by the Uttar Pradesh government.

On the seventh day of the Maha Kumbh, among a congregation of over 1.7 million devotees gathered at the Sangam Triveni, 10 lakh Kalpvasis and 7.02 lakh pilgrims took a holy dip by 8 AM.

Earlier today, devotees gathered in the Maha Kumbh Mela amid the layer of dense fog engulfed the area. The inclement weather conditions don’t seem to have an effect on the footfall of pilgrims.
As of January 18, more than 77.2 million pilgrims have taken a dip at the Sangam Triveni.

The footfall of the pilgrims is expected to increase in the upcoming days as four key Shahi Snans are yet to come.

Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

Meanwhile, spiritual leader Morari Bapu arrived in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and said that he is very excited for the ongoing Maha Kumbh.

He said, “…I am very happy and I have arrived for ‘katha’ at the Mahakumbh. The arrangements for the Mahakumbh are very good. I am very excited as it is a very big festival for the ‘Sanatan Dharma’ and Spiritual world…”

The Maha Kumbh Mela has been witnessing a huge influx of devotees with some notable names participating in the event.

Devotees, both Indian and foreign, immersed themselves in the sacred tradition, contributing to the world’s largest spiritual gathering. The atmosphere around the Triveni Sangam was filled with devotion as foreign pilgrims joined in the spiritual energy of the Mela.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama made a thoughtful gesture to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on her 48th birthday, presenting her with a beautiful scarf, while going down on one knee and serenading her with a happy birthday song, “tanti auguri,” as they attended the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

What made the gift even more special was that the lightweight scarf was designed by an Italian designer who had relocated to Albania, showcasing the strong cultural ties between the two nations.

Albanian PM Edi Rama knelt before Italian PM Giorgia Meloni during their visit to Abu Dhabi, presenting her with a scarf as a birthday gift and referring to her as “Your Majesty”.

He also tried to place the scarf over her head like a hijab. pic.twitter.com/QSqEuuBexM

— kos_data (@kos_data) January 15, 2025

Despite their differing political beliefs, with Meloni leading the right-wing Brothers of Italy and Rama heading Albania’s Socialist Party, the two leaders have maintained a good working relationship. This was evident when Meloni struck a deal with Rama last year to divert some of the migrants Italy picks up at sea to detention centers in Albania. Although the centers are currently dormant due to legal challenges, the agreement demonstrates the willingness of both leaders to collaborate on key issues.

The World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi served as a significant backdrop for the meeting between Rama and Meloni, as it highlighted the growing importance of renewable energy in the region. In a major breakthrough, Italy, Albania, and the United Arab Emirates signed a landmark deal worth at least 1 billion euros ($1 billion) to build a subsea interconnection for renewable energy across the Adriatic. This ambitious project is expected to play a crucial role in promoting sustainable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions in the region.

As the two leaders continue to work together on key issues, their collaboration is likely to have a positive impact on the region, promoting greater cooperation and understanding between nations.

Italy’s Justice Minister has asked an appeals court to revoke the arrest of an Iranian citizen wanted by the U.S. over a drone attack in Jordan that killed three Americans a year ago.

Mohammad Abedini was scheduled to appear at a Milan court on Wednesday in connection with his bid for house arrest pending the extradition process to the U.S.

Iranian state TV said Sunday Abedini will return to Iran “within hours.” The report said the release and return of Abedini came after Iran’s foreign ministry pursued the case, as well as “talks” between Iran’s intelligence ministry and the Italian intelligence service.

Abedini was arrested on a U.S. warrant on Dec. 16, three days before Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was detained while on a reporting trip to Iran. Sala, who was believed held as a bargaining chip for Abedini’s release, returned home last week, giving rise to speculation about his fate.

An official note released by the Justice Ministry on Sunday said that under Italy-U.S. extradition treaties, “only crimes that are punishable according to the laws of both sides can lead to extradition, a condition which, based on the state of documents, can’t be considered as existing.”

The ministry said that the potential charge against Abedini — criminal association for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a U.S. federal law — “did not correspond to any conduct recognized by Italian law as a crime.”

The U.S. Justice Department has accused Abedini of supplying the drone technology to Iran that was used in a January 2024 attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan that killed three American troops.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni described a “diplomatic triangulation” with Iran and the United States as being key to securing Sala’s release, confirming for the first time that Washington’s interests in the case entered into the negotiations.

Sala’s release came after Meloni made a surprise trip to Florida to meet U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

File image of Edoardo Bove.© X (Twitter)

Spain won the last edition of the Nations League after beating Croatia on penalties.© AFP

Italy ensured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals with a victory over Belgium on Thursday that also guaranteed France a place in the last-eight despite a lacklustre display in a scoreless draw with Israel under tight security in Paris. Lee Carsley, whose brief reign as England coach ends on Sunday, enjoyed an emphatic victory in Athens that put his team top of their pool on goal difference. In Brussels, Italy were economical as they beat Belgium 1-0 in Group A2.

The visitors dominated the early stages and scored after 11 minutes. A cross from fullback Giovanni Di Lorenzo deflected into the path of Sandro Tonali for a tap in.

Belgian centre back Wout Faes hit a post with a second-half header.

“We showed again that we give it a go and don’t just sit back in matches, that’s the big change,” Tonali told RAI.

At the Stade de France in Paris, tentative France struggled to create and take chances as they drew 0-0 with Israel before a crowd of just under 17,000 in a stadium that holds up to 80,000.

Around 4,000 police and members of the security forces patrolled inside and outside the ground to prevent a repetition of the attacks on fans of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam last week.

Stewards had to intervene at one point to stop fans of both nations from clashing in the stands, an AFP reporter saw.

Around 100 Israeli fans attended the match despite calls from Israeli authorities to stay away.

On the pitch, it took until the 20th minute for captain N’Golo Kante, jinking into the six-yard box, to force a first save from goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.

France managed 25 attempts on goal but Peretz had to make only two diving saves in the second half, first from Warren Zaire-Emery and then in added time from Christopher Nkunku.

“Anger. Frustration,” said France fullback Jules Kounde when asked his immediate reaction by French broadcaster TF1. “The only good point from tonight is that qualification is assured.”

Italy lead the group by three points but France could still take first when the teams meet in Milan on Sunday.

“We could have done more but we did what we needed to do against an ultra-defensive opponent,” France coach Didier Deschamps told TF1.

Kane dropped

In Athens, Carsley, forced into a string of changes by a flurry of withdrawals from his last England squad, sprung a surprise by dropping Harry Kane.

Ollie Watkins replaced the England captain and took seven minutes to justify Carsley’s decision. Noni Madueke raced onto a Jude Bellingham pass and crossed for Watkins to stab home.

As in their win at Wembley in October, the Greeks caused England’s inexperienced defence problems in the Group B2 clash.

After 30 minutes, right back Kostas Tsimikas ran into space in the box. Everton’s Jordan Pickford hurled himself to his right to turn away a piledriver from the Liverpool man.

England started the second half in control. Rico Lewis forced a save from Odysseas Vlachodimos and Bellingham hit a post with a header before Fotis Ioannidis drew another diving save from Pickford.

Kane came on but another England talisman, Bellingham, forced the goal that put England top of the group after 78 minutes. His shot struck the post, rebounded into the back of airborne Vlachodimos and flew in.

Curtis Jones, on his debut, added the third five minutes later.

England and Greece both have 12 points with one game to go but England’s goal difference is three better.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Carsley told ITV. “We have a lot of outstanding talent.”

The top two in B3 are also separated on goal difference as leaders Austria and pursuers Norway both won.

Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner and Michael Gregoritsch scored in the first 25 minutes in Almaty by which time Kazakhstan were down to ten men.

Austria saw out a 2-0 win and lead the pool on goal difference from Norway who won 4-1 in Slovenia with Erling Haaland scoring once.

France, Italy and Portugal lead the teams attempting to secure a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, while England’s promotion hopes have been hit by a series of withdrawals. With European champions Spain and Germany already qualified for the last eight, six spots are still to be filled going into the final two rounds of group matches over the next week. Unbeaten Italy and Portugal require just a point to advance, while France are well positioned too ahead of the visit of Israel on Thursday — a game that will be played surrounded by a large police presence.

The Paris fixture take places a week after clashes in Amsterdam around a match between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax.

Israel has urged fans to avoid the Nations League tie over fears they could be targeted amid a tide of rising anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim abuse since the start of Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

“I can understand why people don’t want to come,” said France defender Dayot Upamecano.

“It’s their choice,” he added. “I’m just here to play.

“I like peace and I hope one day will have it again, in all countries.”

Kylian Mbappe is again missing from the France squad, with coach Didier Deschamps insisting the absence of the Real Madrid superstar “is for the best”.

The national team captain sat out last month’s double-header in order to recover from a minor thigh injury and instead travelled to Stockholm for a short break.

It was following that trip that Swedish media reported he was being investigated for an alleged rape. Mbappe himself said those reports were “fake news” while his lawyer said the player would take action for libel.

A Swedish prosecutor confirmed that an investigation had been opened, without naming Mbappe.

“I am not going to set out my argument, but I can say two things. The first is that Kylian wanted to come,” Deschamps said last week.

“The second is that it is not to do with the off-field problems because the presumption of innocence exists.”

After the Israel match, France head to Milan where they face Group A leaders Italy on Sunday.

Italy go to Belgium first knowing that anything but defeat guarantees Luciano Spalletti’s side a quarter-final berth.

Portugal host Poland and then travel to Croatia in Group A1, where Scotland are bottom of the pile with only a point from four outings.

The Netherlands and Hungary meet in a crucial A3 showdown with both countries level on five points, while Germany can wrap up top spot by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Denmark and Serbia will battle it out for the other qualifying spot in Group A4 alongside Spain.

The Danes host Spain and Serbia go to Switzerland before a potentially decisive clash in Leskovac on November 18.

The two-legged quarter-finals are scheduled for March and the four-team finals will take place next June.

– England in must-win situation –

England must beat Greece in Athens to stay in contention for promotion back to the top tier.

Greece are the only nation with a perfect record in League B and won 2-1 at Wembley last month.

Lee Carsley will oversee his final two fixtures as interim England boss before handing the reins to Thomas Tuchel, but he will be without Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Georgia can become the first team to climb from League D to League A since the Nations League began in 2018, if they beat Ukraine and Czech Republic in Group B1.

San Marino, who earned their first-ever competitive win in September, would make the leap to League C for the 2026-27 edition by defeating Gibraltar on Friday.

Teams finishing third in League A, and second in League B, will face off in relegation/promotion play-offs, with identical play-offs between Leagues B and C.

There is an impact on World Cup qualifying too.

The 12 group winners in European qualifying will go to the World Cup, with another four places going to winners of play-offs featuring the 12 runners-up plus the four highest-ranked teams in the Nations League who have not otherwise made it.

Elon Musk offered effusive praise for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in brief remarks at an awards ceremony in New York, the latest sign of cosiness between a billionaire who’s trying to get Donald Trump elected and a European leader at odds with her Group of Seven allies.

Musk, bestowing an Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award on Meloni, said it was an honour to present the accolade to “someone who is even more beautiful on the inside than she was on the outside.”

“She’s also someone who is authentic, honest, truthful – and that can’t always be said about politicians,” Musk added.

The remarks were in keeping with the warm relationship between Musk and Meloni, whose political roots on the right align her with Trump, even as she’s backed the G-7’s support of Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian invasion.

At a festival organized by Meloni’s right-wing Brothers of Italy party in December, Musk exhorted the crowd to “make more Italians” and warned of unchecked migration while addressing Italy’s birth rate, which is the lowest in Europe.

Meloni has refrained from backing either Trump or his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she will work closely with whoever occupies the White House, given long-standing ties between the two countries. 

After Musk spoke, Meloni delivered an implicit rebuke to the left, lamenting the desire to “to violently erase the symbols of our civilizations in the US as in Europe.”

“I know that we should not be ashamed to use and defend words and concepts like nation and patriotism, words that mean more than a physical place,” Meloni said. “They mean a state of mind to which one belongs.”

Meloni is in New York with leaders from more than 190 other nations for the annual high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. On Sunday, she met with Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman, the chief executives of Alphabet Inc. And OpenAI Inc.

The choice to give a Global Citizen Award to the prime minister, and have Musk present it, has angered some former and current Atlantic Council staff, Politico reported last week, given the dissonance between their views on Ukraine and immigration. 

Meloni received the award “for her strong support of the EU and becoming the first female prime minister of Italy,” according to a media package distributed by the Atlantic Council.

Musk has business interests in Italy. He and Meloni have scheduled a closed-door meeting later this month to discuss investment opportunities in Italy’s space and artificial intelligence sectors, according to people familiar with the matter.

Italy approved a new regulatory framework in June that grants foreign space companies permission to operate in the country, a move that it expects to generate investments of about €7.3 billion ($8.1 billion).

Italy is already serviced by Musk’s Starlink, which delivers broadband internet through a global network of more than 6,000 satellites operated by his Space Exploration Technologies Corp.

Meloni has also expressed interest in artificial intelligence, though she sounded a note of caution about the technology in a speech to the United Nations Summit of the Future earlier Monday. She called AI a “great multiplier” but warned it could widen global imbalances.

“Machines will not answer this question,” she said. “Politics must guarantee that artificial intelligence remains controlled by humans and keeps humans at the centre.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)