Italy has decided to maintain diplomatic ties with Egypt, despite calls to cut relations following the conviction of Egyptian security officials in the case of Giulio Regeni, an Italian researcher who was abducted in Cairo. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that ongoing diplomatic relations with Egypt are crucial for pressing for further answers and achieving justice in the case.
A court in Rome recently sentenced three Egyptian officials to ten years in prison each for their involvement in Regeni’s abduction, while a fourth defendant was acquitted. However, the ruling did not assign responsibility for his torture and murder, leaving the verdict open to appeal. The Italian government continues to express solidarity with Regeni’s family and remains committed to uncovering the full truth behind his death.
Meloni’s stance has been echoed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who defended the government’s strategy by highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts with Egyptian authorities. Tajani insists that Italy’s focus remains on identifying those accountable for Regeni’s death and that maintaining open channels with Egypt is essential for this pursuit.
The court ruling has sparked criticism from opposition lawmakers in Italy, who demand more robust government action and accountability from Egypt. These calls for severing diplomatic ties reflect broader dissatisfaction with the current government’s approach to dealing with the aftermath of Regeni’s tragic case.