Patrick Zaki, yet another adjournment: statements by the University of Bologna

The hearing in the trial of Patrick Zaki ended once again with an adjournment. The court in Mansoura has scheduled a new hearing for 28 February, more than three years after the start of the court case against the student of the University of Bologna. Patrick Zaki was arrested at Cairo airport on 7 February 2020 as he was returning home for a short break before starting the second semester of the European Master in Gender and Women's Studies - GEMMA at the University of Bologna. He remained in prison for 22 months, until the court in Mansura decided to release him on 8 December 2021. However, he has been awaiting trial since then and is unable to return to Bologna to continue his studies. He is accused of "spreading false news inside and outside the country" and faces up to five years in prison.

"Our disappointment in receiving the news of this further adjournment is even greater than usual - states Rector Giovanni Molari - as it is one of the longest adjournments for Patrick. We trust that the Italian government will hold our student's case at the centre of the talks and relations with Egypt. We also hope that the European Parliament's call to lift at least the travel ban will soon be heard. Patrick must be allowed to resume his studies and graduate surrounded by the affection from his University which is eagerly waiting for him".

"For the ninth time - adds Federico Condello, Rector's Delegate for Students - we feel Patrick's anguish for an exhausting and torturing adjournment. We make Professor Rita Monticelli's words our own: it is an injustice that is being perpetuated. And this injustice becomes each time more serious and intolerable. We will not cease to make Patrick feel how the entire University of Bologna, which will continue to firmly demand the recognition of his innocence, is close to and supports him".