Patrick Zaki’s trial postponed again – Rector Giovanni Molari’s statement

Just like all the others, the ninth hearing in the trial against Patrick Zaki ended with a postponement – the court of Mansoura convened the parties once again for 9 May. After over three years, the legal vicissitudes of the University of Bologna student are far from being solved. Once again, our student is prevented from traveling and therefore from returning to Bologna to continue studying.

“It is with growing bitterness and anxiety that we learn about yet another postponement in this never-ending trial,” Rector Giovanni Molinari said. “Many of us gathered once again yesterday at Piazza Nettuno for an event organised by Amnesty International and supported by the City and the University of Bologna. There, at the heart of our city, I reiterated that our Patrick Zaki is not only a matter of concern and effort for us but also a source of inspiration. His relentless defense of human rights teaches us all a lesson and serves as an example that reinforces our enduring commitment. You are not alone, Patrick, and you never will – your City and your University are waiting for you with open arms. Until you are back, we will never stop showing the world that we stand by your side.”

Patrick Zaki is charged with “spreading false news inside and outside the country” and faces up to five years imprisonment. After being held in pre-trial detention for 22 months, he was released on 8 December 2021 and he is still awaiting trial. His legal vicissitudes began on 7 February 2020, when he was arrested in Cairo while traveling back home for a short break before starting his second semester at the University of Bologna, where he is attending the European GEMMA Master’s Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies.