The court decided on Tuesday to postpone Zaki's trial to 1 February 2021 to give a chance for the prosecution and the defence to present their arguments, EIPR said.

Zaki is accused of broadcasting false news, disturbing security and social peace, and using his Facebook account to promote the use of violence and terrorism, according to statements by the prosecutor's office.

Zaki is a postgraduate student at Bologna University in Italy and a researcher at EIPR.

On 13 September, Egypt’s prosecution referred Zaki to the state security misdemeanour court. He was detained at Cairo International Airport on 7 February after he arrived for a family visit, his lawyers said at the time.

Zaki’s arrest sparked condemnation in Italy, with calls for his release by rights organisations both at home and abroad, including a call for his immediate release from the European Union and European Parliament.