Almasri case: Italy at ICC, government committed to reviewing cooperation rules

Rome, 1 November (LaPresse) – “The experience gained from the Almasri case has led Italy – across all its branches: Parliament, Government and Judiciary – to undertake a review of the methods by which the cooperation system outlined in Italian Law No. 237/2012 must operate, in order to comply with international obligations towards this Court – which Italy confirms it wishes to respect – within the framework of national security interests, the geopolitical position of our nation, and constitutional and domestic legislation.” This is what we read in the letter sent yesterday by Italy to Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court. ‘Our Government, in particular,’ reads the letter signed by the Italian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Augusto Massari, “is committed to reviewing and enhancing the practical methods and legal forms of communication between state bodies in cases of requests for cooperation from this Court for the arrest and surrender of suspects. A possible revision of Law No. 237/2012 is also being considered.”