Patrick Zaki released from prison: statement of Rector Giovanni Molari

"After 22 months of long and unfair imprisonment, our student Patrick Zaki will finally leave prison: this is the first positive sign in this long-running issue", said Rector Giovanni Molari.

After almost two years of imprisonment, today marks an important milestone because Patrick will finally be allowed to leave the oppressive conditions imposed by imprisonment and reunite with his family and loved ones.

Nonetheless, we know that his struggle is sadly not over: the trial against Patrick is still ongoing. As a result, our commitment and call to awareness for Patrick will also continue.

The University of Bologna has been fighting since day one, since that remote 7 February 2020, to see Patrick Zaki's rights respected and to reaffirm our support for fundamental human rights, freedom of speech and teaching, and the incomparable value of critical thinking.

Today we rejoice greatly for Patrick and his loved ones. Yet we will continue to fight and make our voices heard until we can welcome Patrick back in Bologna, until this great community the University of Bologna can embrace him once again.