Patrick Zaki: the University of Bologna keeps standing by his student while waiting to welcome him back in Bologna

The trial against Patrick Zaki has been adjourned once again by the Egyptian Court of Mansoura. The case has been dragging on for more than two years now. The student of the University of Bologna was released from prison on 8 December 2021 after 22 months of imprisonment. However, he is still not completely free. The next hearing is scheduled for 21 June.

Thankfully, Patrick was able to resume his studies through distance learning. Just over a month ago, during the opening ceremony of the academic year, the community of the University of Bologna was filled with joy and emotion after hearing his speech broadcast from Cairo.

Furthermore, in the last few days, the University extended its warmest greetings to Patrick Zaki on multiple occasions. First, Rector Giovanni Molari spoke to Patrick during the conferral of the honorary citizenship to Zola Pedrosa. Then, Professor Rita Monicelli extended her greetings and the support of the entire University of Bologna to Patrick shortly before today’s pronouncement.

Following this umpteenth adjournment, the University of Bologna will continue to monitor the situation and support Patrick’s studies as it has always done, even recently when his enrolment to the Master’s degree was extended in agreement with all the European universities of the GEMMA consortium.

“I receive the news about this further adjournment with disappointment,” affirms Rector Giovanni Molari “which I know is also shared by the whole University of Bologna. We were well aware that this was the most likely outcome. And yet we always wished to receive better news, as we can't wait to have our student back". The Rector adds “I was strongly committed to have Patrick with us, albeit remotely, for the celebrations for the 2021-2022 A.Y. in the hope that we will see him back in Bologna during this academic year”.

“We are highly disheartened” adds Federico Condello, Rector’s Delegate for Students. “Every adjournment renews Patrick’s anguish, which is also ours. We hope that this adjournment represents an element in favour of the defence and one of the last steps of this experience, however painful, now leading to Patrick’s complete freedom. Despite this prolonged and painful wait, we hope, together with Professor Rita Monticelli, Coordinator of the GEMMA Master, that our student will be able to sit exams in presence in May”.