Italy distances Egypt from verdict over Giulio Regeni as opposition attacks

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Italy said it wants to avoid a diplomatic rupture with Egypt after three Egyptian security officials were convicted in absentia over the 2016 abduction and killing of Italian student Giulio Regeni. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed that the verdict convicted individuals, not the Egyptian state.

By Crispian Balmer ROME, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Italy signalled on Tuesday it wanted to avoid a diplomatic rupture with Egypt after three Egyptian security officials were found guilty in absentia of the 2016 kidnapping of student Giulio Regeni, who was killed after his abduction. "There has been a conviction. Egypt has not been convicted, three people have been convicted," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said, appearing keen to separate the verdict from Italy's broader relationship with Egypt.