Protests erupted in Bologna, Italy, after the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan-born man, while he was being forcibly restrained by police officers. Thousands took to the streets Monday night demanding "justice for Abderrahim Fakir." A splinter group clashed with police later in the evening, leading to injuries among 64 officers, according to prosecutors.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that an investigation into Fakir's death was imperative, but she condemned the violence against law enforcement. The incident began Sunday morning when police responded to calls about Fakir behaving erratically and kicking garage doors in the Pilastro neighborhood. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and used pepper spray.
Video footage circulating on Italian media appears to show two officers restraining Fakir face down on the ground, with a third person holding his legs. Fakir is heard crying out for them to stop. After he stopped struggling, officers tied his wrists and ankles. They later realized he was no longer moving, and one officer slapped his cheek twice before an ambulance worker approached.
Prosecutors in Bologna have opened a manslaughter investigation involving the police officers and medical personnel present. Eyewitnesses reportedly told Italian media that Fakir, while distressed, did not appear to be a threat and was unarmed. His sister, Khadija, stated, "They killed him mercilessly, and I want the truth." Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore expressed shock at the video and called for the demonstration on Monday evening, inviting Fakir's niece, Yossra Fakir, to speak. "He was my uncle. He wasn't a number, he wasn't a news line... he was loved," Yossra Fakir said. "He deserved to be helped and heard, and he deserved dignity."
While the main demonstration on Monday night remained peaceful, approximately 100 protesters clashed with police, setting two cars on fire. Lepore differentiated between the thousands who gathered peacefully to support Fakir's family and a smaller group that responded to perceived violence with violence. Domenico Pianese, Secretary-General of the police union, criticized the mayor's decision to call for a demonstration, suggesting it invited anti-police elements to protest against the state. Regarding the police intervention, Pianese commented that, based on the images, the actions were carried out correctly, arguing that the use of pepper spray and the need for civilian assistance indicated the force used was not excessive. He also confirmed that all bodycam footage was handed over to prosecutors.
