Detention of Patrick Zaki

[18] The second, on 12 February reiterates the request and reminded the Egyptian authorities that "EU relations with third countries rely on respect for human and civil rights, as confirmed by many resolutions approved by the European Parliament.".

[21] On 16 December 2020 the European Parliament passed a resolution on the deteriorating situation of human rights in Egypt, in particular the EIPR activists, which "calls for Patrick George Zaki’s immediate and unconditional release and for all charges against him to be dropped.

"[22][23] Philip Luther, Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said "The authorities’ arbitrary arrest and torture of Patrick Zaki is yet another example of the state’s deep-rooted repression of perceived opponents and human rights’ defenders, which reaches more audacious levels with each passing day.

"[7] Scholars at Risk has[1] urged the Egyptian authorities for Mr. Zaki's immediately release and, pending this regard for his well-being and access to legal counsel, family, and medical treatment.

On 12 December 2020 the Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson stood up for the release of Patrick Zaki and three other EIPR activists with a video that was shared on international media.

[32] Twelve Italian universities that are members of Scholars at Risk Italy section have signed a letter to the Egyptian authorities calling for the release of Patrick Zaki.

[33] On 21 December 2020, the Italian conference of rectors, CRUI, petitioned Egyptian president al-Sisi to grant Mr Zaki permission to await trial from his home.

[41] On 14 April 2021, a majority of the upper house Senate in Italy voted in favor of urging the government to grant detained Egyptian student, Patrick Zaki Italian citizenship to release him from the prison he has been held in for more than 2 years without a trial.

Previous calls by Rome for the release of Zaki were rebuffed, pushing the Senate to suggest the government granting him citizenship to make the process easier.

However, the decision is not finalized yet, as the deputy Foreign Minister Marina Sereni hinted that such a move could also result in making the situation counterproductive, with Zaki being an Egyptian citizen.