In a development that has garnered international attention, Italy's Justice Minister announced on Sunday that the Italian government has requested to revoke the arrest of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, a 38-year-old Iranian man sought by the United States. He was arrested last month in Milan after the U.S. Justice Department requested his extradition, citing charges related to material support for a drone attack conducted by an Iranian-backed militia, which resulted in the death of three American service members.
According to the Italian ministry, there are insufficient grounds for extradition under the current bilateral treaty with the U.S. The Justice Ministry highlighted that the specific charges against Abedini—including conspiracy to export electronic components in violation of U.S. laws—are not offenses recognized under Italian law. Furthermore, they noted that they had not received adequate evidence to support allegations that he provided material aid to a foreign terrorist organization.
The Italian government's decision comes shortly after Iran released Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who had been detained under unspecified accusations. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hinted at a diplomatic negotiation involving both the U.S. and Iran leading to Ms. Sala's release. In an official statement, the Justice Ministry emphasized that the extradition treaty stipulates that a person may only be extradited for crimes recognized by both countries, placing Abedini's case outside of those parameters.
Although initial reports from Iranian state media indicated that Abedini would be returning to Iran imminently, the Italian government has yet to confirm this information. The Ministry also acknowledged that although Abedini was associated with technology that holds military potential, it did not meet the stringent criteria necessary for his extradition. This unfolding situation between Italy, the U.S., and Iran continues to highlight the complexities of international law and diplomatic relations.
According to the Italian ministry, there are insufficient grounds for extradition under the current bilateral treaty with the U.S. The Justice Ministry highlighted that the specific charges against Abedini—including conspiracy to export electronic components in violation of U.S. laws—are not offenses recognized under Italian law. Furthermore, they noted that they had not received adequate evidence to support allegations that he provided material aid to a foreign terrorist organization.
The Italian government's decision comes shortly after Iran released Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who had been detained under unspecified accusations. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hinted at a diplomatic negotiation involving both the U.S. and Iran leading to Ms. Sala's release. In an official statement, the Justice Ministry emphasized that the extradition treaty stipulates that a person may only be extradited for crimes recognized by both countries, placing Abedini's case outside of those parameters.
Although initial reports from Iranian state media indicated that Abedini would be returning to Iran imminently, the Italian government has yet to confirm this information. The Ministry also acknowledged that although Abedini was associated with technology that holds military potential, it did not meet the stringent criteria necessary for his extradition. This unfolding situation between Italy, the U.S., and Iran continues to highlight the complexities of international law and diplomatic relations.
