Ten years after the disappearance in Egypt of the young researcher Giulio Regeni, the Università di Brescia is joining the ‘Le Università per Giulio Regeni’ initiative by hosting a special screening of the documentary "Giulio Regeni – Tutto il male del mondo", produced by Fandango and Ganesh Produzioni, followed by a discussion on the themes of academic freedom and freedom of research. The event will take place on Tuesday 28 April at 5.00 pm in the Aula Magna of the Department of Economics and Management at Via San Faustino 74/b.
Organised by Senator for Life and scientist Elena Cattaneo, the initiative features a programme of events to be held between April and May 2026 at no fewer than 76 universities across Italy, reaching an audience of over 15,000 people, including students, researchers, academic staff and members of the public.
“Joining the initiative is an act of responsibility towards the entire university community,” says Rector Prof. Francesco Castelli. “Giulio Regeni’s story reminds us that knowledge is a tool for freedom and that research cannot take place without respect for human dignity and rights. As a university, we will continue to uphold these fundamental values so that the work of young researchers is always protected and valued.”
The screening will be preceded by an introduction by the Rector, Prof. Francesco Castelli, and a video message from Giulio Regeni’s parents, Paola Deffendi and Claudio Regeni. This will be followed at 7.00 pm by the round table discussion ‘Violated bodies: abuse of power and academic freedom. Reflections ten years on from the Regeni case’, chaired by Prof. Carlo Alberto Romano, Vice-Rector for Social Engagement in the Local Community. Speakers include Dr Luisa Ravagnani, researcher at the Department of Law; Dr Diego Amidani, PhD candidate in Rights, the Person, Innovation and the Market at the Department of Law; and Fadwa Lghlimi, a medical student and volunteer with SISM (Italian Secretariat of Medical Students APS), Brescia branch. Free admission upon registration via this link.
“The story of Giulio Regeni,” recalls Senator Cattaneo, “did not end with the discovery of his lifeless body in Cairo ten years ago, thanks to the courage and strength of his family; on the contrary, Giulio continues to live on and make a difference through a movement of people who identify with the fundamental value of freedom – the very same value that Giulio defended as a scholar.”
“We are honoured and grateful for this initiative,” said Giulio’s parents, Paola Deffendi and Claudio Regeni, “which involves numerous universities, with professors, students and PhD candidates who, we must remember, must always be protected. The documentary highlights both Giulio’s character as an upright and passionate researcher and the violations of his rights that were committed against him.”
The “Universities for Giulio Regeni” initiative is supported by the Elena Cattaneo ETS Foundation, in collaboration with Fandango and Ganesh Produzioni. The hashtag chosen for social media is #UniversitàperGiulio.