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

The International Criminal Court has demanded answers from Italy over why it freed a Libyan man suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as murder, torture and rape. Italy detained Osama Elmasry Njeem,

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 International Criminal Court has reminded Italy of its obligation to cooperate fully after it let warlord Ossama al-Masri return to Libya. Al-Masri is accused of murder, rape and torture.

Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, stated that Najim was repatriated to Libya due to his “social dangerousness” and national security concerns. The controversial move has sparked criticism from human rights groups and the ICC, which demanded an explanation from Italian authorities.

Al-Masri had been arrested Sunday in Turin, where he reportedly had attended the Juventus-Milan soccer match the night before. The ICC warrant, dated the day before, accused al-Masri of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Mitiga prison in Libya starting in 2015 that are punishable with life in prison.

Italy detained a Libyan suspect on the back of an ICC arrest warrant, but he was swiftly released and flown home to Tripoli.

The government attributed the release to procedural reasons. But critics say it is because Italy depends on Libya to stem the flow of migrants from Africa.