Migrants expressed their dismay and sense of betrayal on Wednesday over Italy's decision last week to release a Libyan policeman wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and human rights abuses and allow him to return home.

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.

Like all states parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Italy has the obligation to arrest individuals sought by the court. Recent developments, however, suggest Italian authorities are seeking to evade that obligation.