ROME (AP) — Human rights groups voiced outrage Wednesday after Italy released a Libyan warlord on a technicality, after he was arrested on a warrant from the International Criminal Court accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Italy's interior minister has told lawmakers that he ordered the expulsion of a Libyan warlord sought by the International Criminal Court due to security concerns.

Italy's interior minister said on Thursday a Libyan man detained under an international war crimes arrest warrant and then unexpectedly released had been swiftly repatriated because of his "social dangerousness".

The UN Support Mission in Libya called on the Tripoli authorities Saturday to detain a war crimes suspect who was sent home by Italy despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.

Italy's government said Thursday a Libyan police chief arrested on a war crimes warrant was flown home after a court found no basis to detain him -- and he was too dangerous to remain.

Italian media reports and a Libyan official say police in Turin have arrested a Libyan warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.

Italy has close ties to the internationally recognized government in Tripoli, on whom it relies to patrol its coasts and prevent waves of migrants from leaving. Any trial in The Hague of al-Masri ...

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says she has been placed under judicial investigation over Italy's surprise release of a Libyan citizen who had been wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Thursday blasted Rome Chief Prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi for notifying Premier Giorgia Meloni and other members of the government that the case of a Libyan police official who was sent back home from Italy after being detained on an International Criminal Court arrest warrant was being looked at following a complaint by a lawyer.

The repatriation of Libyan general Almasri, accused of crimes against humanity: all the political and judicial implications

However, Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio refused to approve the ICC arrest warrant, rendering it void, and al-Masri was freed on January 21. After that, al-Masri was taken to Tripoli on a military aircraft, where he was met by applauding admirers.