The Coptic rite ceremony, less than two months after obtaining a pardon from Egyptian President Al Sisi. Reny also graduated from the University of Bologna
He married Patrick Zaki, the Egyptian researcher enrolled in the Master’s in gender equality studies Gemma of the Alma Mater of Bologna arrested in 2020 in Egypt and released in 2023. The wedding ceremony took place a few hours ago in Cairo, at the majestic Coptic cathedral of San Marco in the Heliopolis neighborhood. The story of Zaki, a graduate from the University of Bologna, was marked by a series of dramatic events. It all began on February 7, 2020, when he was arrested upon his return to Egypt. The charges against him were serious: incitement to violence, protests, terrorism and the management of a social media account, which according to Egyptian authorities, it was intended to undermine public security. During a brutal interrogation, Zaki was allegedly subjected to torture, while investigators tried to obtain information about his work, his activism in favor of the LGBT community and his collaboration with the Egyptian organization Eipr. After three years of legal battles and numerous postponements of trial hearings, the sentence arrived on July 18, 2023, with the conviction of Patrick Zaki. Only thanks to the mediation of Italy, President al-Sisi pardoned him the following day. An act that allowed the activist and honorary citizen of the Emilian capital to embrace his long-time girlfriend, Reny Iskander, and get married. The ceremony was characterized by a long Coptic-Orthodox rite, enriched by evocative liturgical songs.
the wedding of Patrick Zaki and Reny Iskander
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The wedding of Patrick Zaki and Reny Iskander was a moment of joy and hope for the couple, sealing their love and also representing a symbol of victory over the long legal battle that Patrick had to face. The church was packed with guests, including i parents of the bride and groom, George and Hala, and Patrick’s sister, Marise. There was also no shortage of prominent personalities, such aslead lawyer by Patrick, Hoda Nasrallah, and several human rights activists in Egypt, including Ahmed Douna, also the recipient of a presidential pardon from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi this summer. During the ceremony, the new bride wore an elegant white dress with veil; Patrick instead opted for a black suit with bow tie and white shirt. During the ritual, however, Patrick wore a white tunic with golden details and a cross, and Reny wore a matching cape.
Who is Patrick Zaki Reny Iskander’s wife
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Reny Iskander, Patrick Zaki’s wife, also graduated from the University of Bologna. The two have been together for over four years, sharing both the academic path and the private life. During his time in prison, Reny’s visits brought comfort to the young Egyptian’s heart. Through a letter, he had told her his difficult situation, finding a point of reference in her. The embrace between the two engaged couples on the day of liberation moved and conquered social media.
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