Meloni Says Italy Must Keep Channels With Egypt Open to Pursue Truth on Regeni Case

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy must keep diplomatic channels with Egypt open in order to continue pursuing the truth behind the death of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni, according to comments made during a visit to the Czech Republic.

Regeni, a doctoral student at the University of Cambridge, was found dead in Cairo in 2016 after disappearing while conducting research in Egypt. His case has remained a persistent point of tension between Rome and Cairo for nearly a decade, with Italian authorities and Regeni's family pressing for accountability from Egyptian officials.

Meloni's remarks, delivered while abroad, underscored her government's stance that continued engagement with Egypt, rather than a rupture in relations, offers the best path toward establishing what happened to Regeni and holding those responsible to account.

The case has proceeded slowly through Italian courts, with proceedings against Egyptian security officials complicated by Egypt's refusal to hand over suspects or fully cooperate with Italian investigators, according to past reporting on the case.

Meloni did not, according to available reporting, detail specific new steps her government plans to pursue with Egyptian counterparts.

The Regeni case continues to be closely watched by human rights advocates and Italian civil society groups, who have periodically called for stronger pressure on Cairo.