Italian Documentary on Giulio Regeni Murder Denied Government Funding, Sparks Political Controversy

An investigative documentary titled “All the Evil in the World” has been denied retroactive government funding in Italy, prompting resignations and parliamentary debate. The film details the 2016 kidnapping, torture, and murder of an Italian graduate student in Cairo.

The body, showing signs of torture, was discovered on February 3, 2016, in a gutter along the Cairo-Alexandria highway. Egyptian authorities have denied involvement, while reports indicate the student was under surveillance and suspected of espionage. The documentary reconstructs the family's ongoing pursuit of judicial truth against Egyptian officials.

addressed parliament on Thursday, rejecting claims of government interference in the commission's decision to withhold funding for the completed film.

Three members of the government-appointed commission resigned in protest over the denial. An undersecretary for culture stated they expect the remaining commission members to step down.

The film's title derives from a statement by the student's mother, upon viewing her son's body in a Cairo morgue. It features perspectives from the student's parents, who have challenged the Egyptian administration. The documentary includes an exclusive interview with a lawyer, who has supported the family in their legal efforts.

A trial in Italy against Egyptian national security agents is ongoing for the murder. The controversy over the funding denial has led to a re-release of the documentary in Italian cinemas. It is now scheduled for screenings this weekend, distributed by a production company and an indie exhibitor.

The film is set for screenings at Italian universities and a special event at the European Parliament in Brussels. A sales company is handling international distribution. The denial of public funds has amplified media attention on the case.