Key facts
- Abderrahim Fakir died in Bologna after being restrained by police officers.
- Prosecutors have launched a manslaughter investigation into the officers and medical personnel involved.
- Video footage shows two officers sitting on Fakir as he lies face down and cries out.
- Approximately 100 protesters clashed with police, injuring 64 officers and setting two cars ablaze.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that while Fakir's death requires investigation, violence against police is unjustifiable.
Protests have erupted in Bologna, Italy, following the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan-born man, who died while being forcibly restrained by police officers. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into manslaughter against the officers and medical personnel present at the scene.
Eyewitnesses reported that Fakir appeared distressed but did not threaten anyone and was unarmed. Video footage circulating on Italian media shows two police officers sitting on Fakir as he lies face down and cries out for them to stop, with a third person pinning his legs. Fakir stops struggling about two minutes into the video. The officers then tie his wrists and ankles, and one officer slaps him twice when he realizes Fakir is no longer moving.
Thousands of people took to the streets on Monday night demanding justice for Fakir. While the main demonstration was peaceful, a smaller group of about 100 protesters clashed with police, resulting in 64 officers being injured and two cars being set alight. Mayor Matteo Lepore expressed shock at the video and called for the demonstration, inviting Fakir's niece, Yossra Fakir, to join him on stage. Yossra Fakir stated her uncle was loved and deserved dignity.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence against law enforcement, stating that while Fakir's death requires thorough investigation, "nothing can justify violence against police." She suggested that some protesters were seeking confrontation rather than truth. Domenico Pianese, Secretary-General of the police union, criticized the mayor's decision to call for a demonstration and defended the police intervention as correct based on the images, noting the use of pepper spray and the need for civilian assistance indicated force was not excessive. He stated all bodycam footage was handed to prosecutors.
Fakir's family had lived near Bologna for over three decades. His lawyer, Barbara Spinelli, described him as a hard worker and kind, questioning why he died in the hands of those meant to protect him. Some protest signs referenced other cases of deaths in police custody, such as Stefano Cucchi. Ilaria Cucchi, Stefano's sister and now a senator, criticized the government's solidarity with the police.