Giorgia Meloni is under investigation by Italian prosecutors for allegedly allowing the release of a Libyan warlord who is accused by the International Criminal Court of murdering, raping and torturing migrants.

Opposition parties have accused the Meloni government of deliberately freeing Osama Almasri Najim to ensure Libya’s continuing support in stopping migrant boats from crossing the Mediterranean.

The ICC has demanded an explanation as to why Italy ignored its arrest warrant and allowed Najim to go free.

Ms Meloni, who was elected prime minister two years ago, is now under investigation for allegedly aiding and abetting a crime and for misuse of public funds.

Italy has given financing and training to the coast guards of Libya and neighbouring Tunisia and was able to reduce the number of boats leaving the beaches of North Africa last year by 59 per cent.

Najim, the head of Libya’s judicial police, was arrested earlier this month in Turin on a warrant from the ICC. He is accused of conducting years of human rights abuses against migrants and refugees who travel to Libya with the hope of reaching Europe.

Two days later, he was suddenly released and flown on an Italian government aircraft back to Libya, where he was greeted by jubilant supporters as a hero.