Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed that Italy will continue its diplomatic relations with Egypt despite calls to cut ties following a court ruling involving the abduction of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni. A Rome court recently sentenced three Egyptian security officials to 10 years in prison for their roles in Regeni’s disappearance, while a fourth defendant was acquitted. The court’s decision has not yet established accountability for Regeni’s torture and murder, and the verdict remains subject to appeal.
Meloni expressed her solidarity with Regeni’s family and reaffirmed the Italian government’s commitment to uncovering the full truth behind the case. She emphasized that maintaining diplomatic and political channels with Egypt allows Italy to keep pressing for answers and accountability. This stance was reiterated by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who said that diplomatic efforts with Egyptian authorities are ongoing and that Italy remains focused on holding those responsible for Regeni’s death accountable.
The court’s ruling has sparked criticism from opposition lawmakers in Italy, who have called for more decisive government action and increased accountability from Egypt. Critics argue that maintaining diplomatic ties may not exert sufficient pressure on Egyptian authorities to cooperate fully in the investigation of Regeni’s death.
The case of Giulio Regeni, a Cambridge University researcher, has been a point of tension between Italy and Egypt since his body was discovered in Cairo in 2016, bearing signs of severe torture. Italian authorities have been seeking justice and answers about his death ever since, leading to strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Despite the controversy and criticism, the Italian government appears committed to its current diplomatic approach, believing it to be the most effective way to seek justice for Regeni while maintaining necessary bilateral relations with Egypt.