Patrick Zaki graduates from Bologna Uni via video link

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 5 - Egyptian researcher Patrick Zaki graduated from Bologna University with top marks on Wednesday, defending his thesis via video link after the authorities in his homeland refused permission for him to present it in person.
    Zaki obtained a masters degree in women's and gender studies with the maximum grade of 110 with distinction.
    He was arrested in February 2020 at Cairo airport after returning to Egypt from Bologna to visit his family and held in jail for 22 months in pre-trial custody on charges of subversive propaganda connected to 10 Facebook posts.
    He was released in December 2021 but is now on trial for allegedly spreading fake news in relation to three articles on Coptic Christians in Egypt persecuted by ISIS and discriminated by fringes of Muslim society, and he is not allowed to leave the country.
    The next trial hearing is scheduled for July 18.
    The researcher and activist could risk up to five years in jail, Egyptian judicial sources have said.
    "I'm grateful to everyone," Zaki said.
    "I am fortunate to be a Bologna University student.
    "I thank the institutions, the city and everyone who has been close to me.
    "I hope to be with you soon". (ANSA).