Passeri to appeal 25-year term in Egypt-foreign ministry

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 22 - The Italian foreign ministry has said that a court of first instance in Cairo on August 19 held a hearing on the case of Giacomo Passeri, an Italian citizen arrested about a year ago in Egypt for drug possession, which was attended by a consular office chief from the Italian embassy, accompanied by an interpreter, who assisted as an observer.
    On the same day, Passeri's defence lawyer informed the embassy that Passeri had been "sentenced to 25 years in prison", the Farnesina said late on Wednesday.
    Passeri's attorney has already informed the embassy that he intends to file an appeal.
    The embassy is continuing to follow the case with the utmost attention, in coordination with the interior ministry, said the note.
    Earlier on Wednesday, Passeri's family claimed he had been sentenced to life imprisonment.
    In recent months his family had raised the alarm about his condition in jail. (ANSA).