The Almasri case continues to be a topic of debate in parliament: Nordio and Piantedosi defend the expulsion, Meloni in the opposition's sights

The Almasri affair continues to heat up tempers in Parliament. After days of controversy, the briefings by the Ministers of Justice Carlo Nordio and of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi were followed by a heated debate in the ChamberThe absence of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sparked harsh reactions from the opposition.

Schlein: “Freeing Almasri was a political choice”

Secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, pointed the finger at the government, accusing it of hiding behind legal quibbles: “You have admitted that freeing Almasri was a political choice, not a legal one. Your inertia led to the release of a torturer.”

Schlein also harshly criticized Meloni's absence: “Today the Prime Minister ran away from Parliament. It is a gesture of great institutional cowardice that shows no respect for the chamber and the country.”

During her speech, the secretary reiterated that the government could and should have acted differently to avoid Almasri's release.

Fratoianni: “When did these tortures take place?”

The member of the Green and Left Alliance, Nicola Fratoianni, showed in the chamber the photo of a child who was a victim of torture charged to Almasri, asking Nordio to explain when these crimes allegedly occurred: “Minister, you have taken responsibility for not doing your duty. Tell us when Almasri committed these tortures, tell us in what year.”

Fratoianni's dramatic statement increased tension in the chamber, already shaken by attacks from the opposition.

Conte: “Meloni runs away, an act of institutional cowardice”

The leader of the 5 Star Movement, Giuseppe Conte has doubled down on Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of avoiding direct confrontation in Parliament: “President Meloni, stop speaking on social media or TV. If you didn’t have the courage to come here today, don’t allow yourself to comment on this matter elsewhere. Today’s act is an act of institutional cowardice.”

Conte also attacked Nordio, calling him an “absolving judge” and harshly criticizing his statements during the briefing.

Government's defense: "We did our duty"

From the majority side, the vice president of the Chamber, Giorgio Mulè (Forza Italia), defended the government's actions, maintaining that the ministers' information was clear and transparent: "The government has done its duty, respecting the rules. This is not a courtroom, and the government benches are not those of the accused." Giovanni Donzelli (Brothers of Italy) also harshly criticized the opposition's accusations, calling them a "festival of prejudice".

Piantedosi: “Expulsion necessary for national security”

During his speech, the Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi explained that Almasri's expulsion was dictated by security needsa: “The preparation of the plane for repatriation was a preventive measure. The expulsion is one of the decisions necessary to protect public order and state security.”

Crying himself he then categorically denied the rumours of possible blackmail suffered by the government during the management of the affair, defining them as "totally without foundationo ".

Nordio: “Necessary to talk to The Hague”

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has rejected the opposition's accusations, explaining that the Almasri affair was complicated by some errors committed by the Hague: “The minister is not a rubber stamp. It was necessary to talk to the Hague to clarify some fundamental aspects.” Nordio also launched a criticism of a part of the Italian judiciary, accusing her of superficiality.

From signs in the classroom to rising tension

The debate ended with a symbolic episode: some members of the Democratic Party displayed signs that read "Meloni where are you?"and "Meloni, a patriot on the run”. The Speaker of the House, Lorenzo Fontana, immediately had the signs removed.

The Almasri case is proving to be one of the most controversial episodes of the current legislature. While the government defends its actions, the opposition continues to speak of a political decision that risks leaving an indelible shadow on the history of the country. The tension does not seem likely to ease, with the opposition ready to further press the executive in the next weeks.