Naples hosts the national event on research freedom with an exhibition in the courtyard of Palazzo Corigliano
On May 19, 2026, at 2:30 PM, in the Conference Hall of Palazzo Corigliano at the University of Naples L’Orientale, artist and activist Gianluca Costantini will take part in the event “Universities for Giulio Regeni. Ten Years After His Disappearance, an Initiative for the Freedom of Research,” part of a nationwide mobilization dedicated to the memory of the Italian researcher murdered in Egypt in 2016.
The initiative, presented in the Italian Senate by Senator for Life Elena Cattaneo, brings together 76 universities across Italy and more than 15,000 participants in two months of meetings, debates, and screenings focused on academic freedom, research, and human rights. Between April and May 2026, each university is organizing a day of reflection centered around the documentary “Giulio Regeni – All the Evil in the World,” directed by Simone Manetti and written by Emanuele Cava and Matteo Billi, produced by Fandango and Ganesh Produzioni.
The University of Naples L’Orientale joins the project with an event organized by Maria Pia Di Buono, Sara Borrillo, and Daniela Pioppi, bringing together scholars, journalists, activists, and advocates for civil liberties. Alongside Gianluca Costantini, speakers will include Roberto Tottoli and Emma Annamaria Imparato from the University of Naples L’Orientale, Francesca Biancani from the University of Bologna and the Academic Freedom Committee of SeSaMO, Patrick Zaki from the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, and journalist Claudio Silvestri from Quotidiano Roma.
As part of the initiative, the exhibition “Giulio Regeni and All the Evil in the World” by Gianluca Costantini will also be presented in the courtyard of Palazzo Corigliano. The exhibition offers a visual journey dedicated to the memory of Giulio Regeni and to the themes of repression, truth, and freedom of research. Through his drawings, Costantini creates a powerful human and political narrative that keeps public attention focused on the Regeni case and on the many violations of fundamental rights that continue to affect researchers, journalists, and activists around the world.
For years, Costantini has devoted his artistic work to human rights, freedom of expression, and solidarity with persecuted journalists, researchers, and activists. His drawings have become international symbols in campaigns for the release of political prisoners and for the defense of press freedom. His participation in the event dedicated to Giulio Regeni reflects a longstanding commitment to civil engagement through visual storytelling and political art.
The initiative is supported by the Elena Cattaneo Foundation ETS, together with Fandango and Ganesh Produzioni.
