Patrick George Zaky - FILE
CAIRO - 7 December 2021: Patrick George Zaky, an Egyptian researcher studying in Italy, has been released pending a trial over spreading false news detrimental to social peace.
Zaky spent about two years in prison pending investigations and trial, which is the maximum he could serve without a sentence.
A hearing of the trial will be held on Feb. 1, according to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights on Tuesday.
Patrick is accused of spreading false news and statements to distort social peace, incite protests without a permit, overthrow the regime by promoting ideas meant to change the basic principles of the constitution.
He also faces charges of managing and using an online account for the purpose of disturbing public order, harming national security and promoting terrorist crimes and violence.
Zaky, who was studying at the University of Bologna in northern Italy, was arrested on February 7th, 2020. months after his house was raided by police forces, according to state’s news agency MENA. Police in September seized papers inciting against the Egyptian state in his home.
The Egyptian authorities and parliament have repeatedly slammed foreign calls to release Zaky for being an interference in its internal affairs and judicial system.
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