ROME, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concern on Thursday that the release of a Libyan war crimes suspect could deter much-needed foreign investment, stating, The point is that what is happening above all damages the nation ... That is what frankly drives me a little crazy, during a business conference in Milan via a video link.
Italy's leader is under investigation for aiding and abetting a crime and misuse of public funds related to the release and repatriation of senior Libyan police officer Osama Elmasry Njeem.
Njeem was apprehended in Turin on Jan. 19 on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, but was released two days later due to a procedural error with his arrest, and subsequently flown back to Libya on a government aircraft.
Meloni criticized the judiciary, expressing concerns that the incident was harming Italy's global reputation, noting that her investigation made headlines in the Financial Times.
She emphasized potential repercussions on investment, saying, After reading this news, do you think that this Norwegian investment fund that has just bought 8 billion euros of Italian government bonds will be more likely to buy 9 (billion), 7 (billion), or maybe zero.
The investigation involving Meloni and three other officials is unlikely to proceed to trial, especially with strong government support if judges request it.
Despite the situation and controversies, Meloni and her conservative allies maintain popularity. Her Brothers of Italy party enjoys over 30% support, reaching a nearly two-year high according to average opinion polls on Thursday.
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