TUNISIA: VALENTINA GRECO FOUND IN CLOSET – "FAINTED WHILE DUSTING" | FAMILY SKEPTICAL, DOUBTS REMAIN

Valentina Greco, 42, was found in her home in Tunisia after ten days of anguish. The woman, originally from Cagliari and a human rights activist, had been missing since July 9 from Sidi Bou Said. Tunisian police, with the support of the Italian embassy in Tunis, found her inside a closet in her house.

According to what she told her mother, she fainted while cleaning and, upon regaining consciousness, found herself trapped inside, possibly because her cats had blocked the doors. This explanation, however, isn't entirely convincing. The family's lawyer describes the version as "implausible." Meanwhile, Valentina has been hospitalized for checks, and family members have arrived in Tunisia to be with her. Her condition is good. Tunisian authorities will question her on Monday.

The Discovery and Her Account

The discovery happened Friday evening when police raided the home (though they had been there days before). Valentina Greco was found hidden inside a closet. She appeared confused but was in generally good physical condition. According to the reconstruction provided by the Farnesina (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and her mother's words, Valentina recounted that she fainted while cleaning, and her three cats, playing, inadvertently closed the closet doors. "I knew she was home; she would never leave her cats alone," said her relieved mother, Roberta Murru, who was also surprised by how she was found.

Lawyer's Doubts and Investigation Questions

Gianfranco Piscitelli, the lawyer representing the Penelope Sardegna association, who assisted the family during the search, is questioning Valentina's narrative. "It's a strange version, to say the least, and it leaves many doubts," he stated. Piscitelli finds it unlikely that the police, who had already searched the home previously, failed to find her. "If she had been there the whole time, it would mean the inspections were ineffective," he added. The lawyer is demanding clarity and awaits developments in the investigation.

Theories: Threats or Personal Crisis?

Valentina has lived in Tunisia for three years and works with local humanitarian agencies. She is known for her commitment to human rights, refugees, and women. Some friends reported that in the days leading up to her disappearance, she had rejected unwanted advances from a man. This person might have returned to look for her, but there's no concrete evidence currently.

Another emerging theory points to a possible moment of personal fragility or a voluntary withdrawal for spiritual reasons: Valentina was drawn to Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam focused on a direct, intimate, and spiritual relationship with God through meditation, prayer, austerity, and ritual practices. It is characterized by symbolism, poetry (like Rumi's), and a strong focus on love, compassion, and ego annihilation. However, no lead has yet been confirmed.

Family's Reaction: Relief Mixed with Questions

The discovery brought relief to her family but hasn't fully eased their concerns. "We haven't been eating or sleeping," her brother Alessio said just hours before the news broke. After receiving a phone call from Minister Antonio Tajani, her mother spoke with her daughter and reported a confused but reassuring conversation. "We want to understand exactly what happened," Alessio stated, implying that the family won't be satisfied with a partial explanation.