Artists Mobilize for Patrick Zaki: From Street Murals to Graphic Novels
On December 7, 2021, Patrick Zaki, an Egyptian researcher and advocate for human rights, was freed from incarceration after spending 22 months behind bars. He had been detained since February 7, 2020, on accusations that included inciting protests and disseminating false information, with one charge potentially resulting in a 5-year sentence. The art community rallied in his support, exemplified by Francesca Grosso's portrait crafted from letters of solidarity at the University of Bologna and Laika's mural in Rome. Gianluca Costantini illustrated Zaki for the graphic novel "Patrick Zaki, Una storia egiziana," while Amnesty International Italia organized a poster contest that received 900 submissions. Following Zaki's 3-year conviction, President al-Sisi issued a pardon, prompting Laika to create another mural honoring him.
Key facts
- Patrick Zaki released on December 7, 2021, after 22 months
- Arrested February 7, 2020, at Cairo airport
- Charges included incitement, subversion, spreading false news
- Remaining charge carries up to 5 years
- Francesca Grosso created a portrait of Zaki from solidarity letters
- Laika painted a mural of Regeni embracing Zaki on Via Salaria
- Gianluca Costantini made a drawing turned into 150 silhouettes
- Poster contest received 900 sketches from 50 countries
Entities
Artists
- Patrick Zaki
- Francesca Grosso
- Laika
- Gianluca Costantini
- Roberto Baldazzini
- Moises Romero
- Zlatan Dryanov
- Christopher Scott
- Rashid Rahnama
- Andrea Rodrigues
- Rita Reis
- Mattia Pedrazzoli
- Massimo Dezzani
- Arianna Posanzini
- Michele Carofiglio
- Zerocalcare
- LRNZ
- ZUZU
- Rita Petruccioli
- Antonio Pronostico
- Sergio Algozzino
- Giulio Regeni
- Khaled Ali
- Helga Marsala
Institutions
- University of Bologna
- Alma Mater Studiorum
- Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights
- Amnesty International Italia
- Conversazioni sul futuro
- Diffondiamo idee di valore
- Festival dei Diritti Umani di Milano
- Associazione Articolo 21
- Feltrinelli Comics
- Linus
- Più libri più liberi
- Artribune
- InOltre – Alternativa Progressista
- Biblioteca Universitaria di Bologna
- Comune di Bologna
- Tribunale di Mansura
- European Parliament
- Vita.it
Locations
- Cairo
- Egypt
- Bologna
- Italy
- Rome
- Via Salaria
- Egyptian embassy
- Mansura
- Tora prison
- Mexico
- Bulgaria
- Ecuador
- Iran
- Portugal
- Nuvola dell'Eur