I am Paola, Giulio’s mother. We are here together because of the enormous human tragedy which happened to Giulio, a young man, democratic native. I should say inhuman tragedy! Giulio was not fond of ceremonies, we were never present at his graduations so, to be here today makes me very sad, since he was thinking of organizing a party for his final PhD graduation.
So, today we are here, there is no party, for Giulio is no longer with us. Giulio’s story obliges us to rethink the meaning of words, actions, positions, relations and visions because what was done to him cannot be expressed using the standard language we use in our western society: which words, which emotions, which feelings? For this pain? After his long course of studies, completed with many personal sacrifices, Giulio chose to be part of your scientific community with great enthusiasm and then, as part of this community, he went to complete his research in Cairo. And we also entrusted our son Giulio with faith to your community, very glad that we could offer him such a great opportunity of personal and academic growth. But Giulio was murdered, or better, brutally tortured, while he was alone far away from us all.
These are my constant thoughts, each night. We still do not know why Giulio was murdered but we know for sure that he was in Cairo to complete his research. He was very passionate about his research work which he did with great enthusiasm and generosity because there is no research without sharing, confronting and relating ideas, as we say today a co-construction of knowledge. Perhaps not all are aware that one of the various misleading sidetracks issued by the Egyptian authorities contained an official photograph, modified in various versions, but always keeping in evidence: his passport, his affiliation to the American University of Cairo and, naturally, his Cambridge student card!
We are here today for an important commemoration of our beloved Giulio and, in order to honor his memory properly, otherwise all this would be meaningless, we should ally to jointly ask Truth and Justice for Giulio Regeni. Starting today a new beginning, for Giulio and for all others still suffering similar conditions, nothing and no-one should ever be allowed: to inhibit the search of knowledge; to violate human rights; to despise the uniqueness of every person; or to accept intimidations. Therefore, for all here today in Cambridge, in this land of science and research for all truths, we must bring out our courage to overcome moral indifference and re-establish the ethical and moral dimension so dear to Giulio.
This ethical dimension must unite us now in the research of the Truth for Giulio, otherwise this will forever pervade our lives. I appeal to you, that you may collaborate effectively with us to give an answer to the pure cruelty that has taken Giulio from his loved ones and from this scientific community. It is necessary for all to make an urgent and sincere effort to bring out the truth about Giulio’s murder.
I ask you please: not to leave us alone and help us break the wall of silence!
I ask you please: not to leave us alone and help us break the wall of silence!
I ask you please: not to leave us alone and help us break the wall of silence!
Thank you
Mother Paola
