On 25 January 2026, Girton College remembers Giulio Regeni, a passionate and promising young researcher, on the tenth anniversary of his tragic death.
Giulio Regeni was a PhD student at Girton College and the Centre for Development Studies at the University of Cambridge. He was in Cairo to conduct fieldwork for his research at the time of his death. Giulio was an experienced researcher, who had previously undertaken fieldwork in Egypt.
On 25 January 2016, Giulio Regeni was abducted from the streets of Cairo. His body, bearing marks of torture, was found one week later on 3 February 2016.
Girton College continues to stand with all those who to seek justice and uncover the truth of what happened to Giulio in 2016.
In February 2024, the trial in absentia of four high-ranking officials of Egypt's National Security Force began in Rome for the abduction, torture and murder of Giulio Regeni. As of January 2026, the case has been suspended while Italy’s Constitutional Court considers a question raised by the defence.
Every year, Girton marks this anniversary by flying the College flag at half-mast on 25 January and 3 February in his memory.
On Sunday 25 January 2026 at 6.15 pm a vigil, organised by the Cambridge University Italian Society and Cambridge University Amnesty, will be held for Giulio Regeni outside Great St Mary’s Church in central Cambridge. All are welcome to attend.
