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".
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