Freed Egyptian researcher, human
rights activist and Bologna University alumnus Patrick Zaki on
Sunday thanked the Italian government for its commitment to
ensuring his release in Egypt.
"Thank you to the Italian government for what they have done
over the past few days, I have really appreciated everything
they have done," Zaki told reporters at Cairo airport before
boarding an EgyptAir flight to Milan.
Zaki also thanked the Italian diplomatic representation in
Egypt, in particular the Italian ambassador to Cairo Michele
Quaroni and advisor Marco Cardoni, for their efforts.
Earlier the 22-year-old activist told reporters he was "happy to
be on my way to Italy".
"Thank you to Bologna, thank you to everyone, thank you to the
Italians who have worked during these three years to arrive at
this moment," he said.
On Sunday Premier Giorgia Meloni told TG1 that she did not
expect "gratitude" from Zaki amid controversy over his decision
to return to Italy on a scheduled flight rather than on a flight
made available by Italy and to not meet representatives of Rome.
"For us (securing his freedom) was an important goal, I am very
happy to have achieved it," said Meloni.
"I also want to say that, with respect to the debate over the
last few days, I don't expect any gratitude, I'm not interested.
It was right to do what we did, we did it, we do it regardless
of any other consideration," she added.
On Friday Amnesty International Italia said Zaki's decision was
to be seen as an act of independence, not of political
opposition.
"The reputation of human rights defenders is based on their
independence from governments,' said spokesman Riccardo Noury.
"They say thank you and express appreciation when things are
done for them, as has been the case; and in fact Patrick has
repeatedly thanked the government and the embassy," he
continued.
"Deciding to travel on a scheduled flight is not a gesture of
political opposition, but a gesture of independence," concluded
Noury.
Following his arrival in Milan on Sunday afternoon, Zaki will
travel to Bologna where he will give a press conference at the
university at 8.30 pm local time.
The municipality has organised a public celebration in Piazza
Maggiore on July 30.
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