The Italian leader has the potential to serve as a key European ally in the quest for peace in Europe and the Middle East.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy announced on Tuesday that she was being investigated by Italian prosecutors for her alleged role in aiding and abetting the release last week of a Libyan official wanted on war crimes charges.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been placed under investigation over a government decision to release a Libyan police officer wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Here is the background to the case and a look at what might happen next.

Italy's prime minister took to social media on Tuesday to announced that she is being investigated but sounded a defiant note: "I cannot be blackmailed," Giorgia Meloni said. "I will not let myself be intimidated.