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

ROME (Reuters) -The International Criminal Court demanded answers from Italy on Wednesday over why it freed a Libyan man suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence.

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.

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".

Osama Njeem is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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.