Del Grande has been held in isolation for nine days since his arrest on the Syrian border two weeks ago.
Last Tuesday, the journalist went on a hunger strike and called on Italians to “mobilise” and demand his rights be respected.
According to Del Grande’s Turkish lawyer, Taner Kilic, the reporter’s detention is illegal because no charges have been pressed and it is therefore a purely punitive measure.
“At the moment, the director of the centre does not have any information regarding [Del Grande’s] possible expulsion," Kilic said.
Though Del Grande has not been charged with a crime, the journalist said the reason for his detention is linked to the nature of his work.
He arrived in Turkey on April 7, to research a book about the war in Syria and the establishment of ISIS, narrated through the stories of civilians.
Del Grande's father, Massimo, said that it would be “premature” to speak about his son’s release and return to Italy, but that the family continues to hope for the best.
Massimo Del Grande thanked the Italian Foreign Ministry for working to arrange a meeting between his son, a lawyer and the Italian consul at the detention centre in Mugla.
Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni stressed that Italy and Turkey must collaborate to ensure Del Grande’s liberation, adding that he hoped the issue would be quickly resolved.
The EU on Thursday expressed its support for Italy in its bid to have Del Grande released as soon as possible.
Italy was also offered assistance by Germany, which is in a similar situation, with Turkish-German reporter Deniz Yücel detained in Turkey since February.
According to Amnesty International, there are currently 149 journalists under arrest in Turkey, making it the most dangerous place for journalists to travel to.
