Rome, April 4 (LaPresse) – Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court has granted Italy “an extension until 4:00 p.m. on April 22” to submit “its observations regarding the failure to surrender” Libyan general Osama Almasri following his arrest. This is stated in a document from the Court, which specifies that “under no circumstances” will an “indefinite postponement of this proceeding” be permitted, and Italy is “strongly encouraged to submit its observations as soon as possible.” Rome had requested an extension, claiming it is “currently unable to submit observations on the matter, as national proceedings have been initiated and its authorities are bound by investigative confidentiality.” The ICC emphasized that proceedings before the Court “cannot be conditioned by national proceedings,” however, “taking note of Italy’s willingness to continue the dialogue,” the extension was granted. Pre-Trial Chamber I did not accept Italy's request to extend the deadline until the conclusion of national proceedings, as “the determination of a State’s potential non-cooperation with the Court is independent of any national proceedings, especially those initiated after the matter has been brought before the Chamber.” Almasri was arrested in Turin on January 19 following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity. He was released on January 21 by the Rome Court of Appeal due to the “irregularity” of the arrest. After his release, Almasri was expelled and repatriated to Libya on a state aircraft. On January 27, following a complaint filed with the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office by lawyer Luigi Li Gotti and on the initiative of Chief Prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Undersecretary to the Prime Minister Alfredo Mantovano were placed under investigation for aiding and abetting and embezzlement.
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