Tripoli court convicts former Mitiga prison chief Almasri of detainee abuse, sentences him to 7 years and 4 months
A Tripoli court sentenced Osama Najeem Almasri to 7 years and 4 months in prison for violating detainees’ rights, the latest twist in a case that sparked a diplomatic rift between Italy and the International Criminal Court.
The conviction
On 21 June 2026, the Tripoli Criminal Court convicted Osama Najeem Almasri of violating prisoners’ rights, sentencing him to seven years and four months of imprisonment. The court also ordered the loss of his legal capacity and the suspension of his civil rights for the duration of the sentence plus one additional year.
Who is Almasri
Almasri is the former operational commander of Libya’s judicial police and headed security at Mitiga prison in Tripoli. He was accused of overseeing torture, cruel treatment, and degrading conditions for detainees. The Libyan prosecutor general launched an investigation after receiving reports of abuse inside the facility.
The ICC warrant and Italy’s release
The International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Almasri over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence committed since 2015 at Mitiga. He was arrested in Italy on 19 January 2026, but within days the Rome Court of Appeal declined to validate the arrest, calling it irregular and not provided for by national law.
On 21 January, the Rome Court of Appeal declared that no action should be taken on the arrest of the Libyan citizen, deeming it irregular as it was not provided for by law, and ordered his immediate release unless he was detained for another reason.
Almasri was then repatriated to Libya on a state flight, a move justified by the Italian government on national security grounds.
- Almasri arrested in Italy on ICC warrant
- Rome court declines to validate arrest; Almasri released and repatriated to Libya
- Tripoli court convicts Almasri of prisoner rights violations, sentences him to 7 years 4 months
Political fallout in Rome
The handling of the case triggered an investigation in Italy, with Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and intelligence czar Alfredo Mantovano placed under scrutiny for allegedly aiding and abetting Almasri’s escape from justice. Although the Ministers’ Tribunal requested their indictment, the Chamber of Deputies denied authorization to proceed, and the case was archived, provoking criticism from opposition parties.
