Freed Egyptian researcher, human
rights activist and Bologna University alumnus Patrick Zaki
arrived back in Italy on Sunday afternoon, landing at Milan's
Malpensa airport around 4.50 pm local time.
"It is the most important day of my life, see you in Bologna,"
Zaki told reporters at the airport.
"I'm happy to be in Italy," he added smiling.
He was met by his girlfriend Reny Iskander, his sister Marise,
the rector of the University of Bologna Giovanni Molari and
Professor Rita Monticelli, who will take him to Bologna.
There he will be presented with his degree certificate during a
meeting with the press in the rector's office at 8.30 pm.
On July 5 Zaki obtained a masters degree in women's and gender
studies from the university with the maximum grade of 110 with
distinction, defending his thesis via video link after the
authorities in his homeland refused permission for him to
present it in person.
He was on trial for allegedly spreading fake news and under a
travel ban at the time.
On Tuesday Zaki was sentenced to three years in prison but then
pardoned by President Al Sisi the following day and released
from police custody on Thursday.
His travel ban, imposed following his release from pre-trial
custody after 22 months in December 2021, was lifted on Sunday.
On Sunday evening after receiving the graduation parchment and
taking questions from reporters Zaki will meet Bologna Mayor
Matteo Lepore in Piazza Maggiore.
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