News briefing
By: Committee for Justice
Geneva: July 5, 2023
The Egyptian social researcher and human rights defender, Patrick George Zaki, revealed that the Egyptian Public Prosecutor ignored his request to allow him to travel to Italy to attend the defense ceremony of his master’s thesis before the University of Bologna.
Ignoring his plea with a sense of rejection:
Zaki had formally submitted a legal request (No: 34669 of 2023), urging the removal of his name from the travel ban list. This would have allowed him to travel to Italy from July 4th to July 7th for his thesis defense. In a Facebook post, Zaki expressed his disappointment as he was compelled to discuss his thesis via video conference. Nevertheless, he received his academic degree with honors on Wednesday, July 5th. Zaki shared his gratitude for the support received and dedicated his achievement to his colleagues who share the same aspirations, expressing hope for their dreams to come true amidst the challenges they face.
“Attaining distinction from the University of Bologna, I would have loved to be present among my professors and colleagues. Nevertheless, this does not diminish my immense joy in reaching this significant milestone in my academic journey. I am sincerely grateful for all the kind sentiments and unwavering support. Today, I wholeheartedly dedicate this joy to my fellow colleagues who have shared our dreams on nights like these, where your presence is felt once again and adds a glimmer of happiness to your soul. I sincerely hope they are granted the opportunity to achieve all their aspirations and overcome the hardships of confinement in the shortest possible time,” Zaki wrote on Facebook.
In response to these developments, CFJ strongly condemns the Egyptian authorities’ apathy towards Patrick George Zaki’s travel request to attend his master’s thesis defense at the University of Bologna. CFJ calls for an immediate end to the exceptional and repressive practices targeting human rights defenders in Egypt, recognizing their legitimate role in defending human rights. Furthermore, CFJ emphasizes the critical need for Egyptian authorities to prioritize the security and well-being of human rights defenders, ensuring their ability to engage in peaceful and legitimate advocacy efforts.
