Outrage has swept across Italy following the death of a 42-year-old Moroccan man, Abderrahim Fakir, during a police encounter in Bologna. Fakir died on Sunday after officers pepper-sprayed him, pinned him to the ground, and zip-tied him while he repeatedly cried for help, in scenes that have drawn comparisons to the death of George Floyd.
Harrowing footage captured by witnesses shows two police officers restraining Fakir, who reportedly ran a small cleaning business in the city. A third individual, believed to be a local resident, assisted in holding Fakir's feet down as the officers knelt on his back. During the struggle, which lasted several minutes, Fakir was heard screaming for help and pleading for water.
Local media reported that police were called to the Pilastro neighborhood after residents reported an agitated individual shouting and behaving erratically. Authorities stated that upon arrival, Fakir allegedly damaged a police vehicle. According to police, officers contained the individual with the assistance of residents after he damaged a car. "After containment operations, which were carried out in the presence of paramedics, the man died," a police statement read.
The exact cause of Fakir's death remains unclear. Some reports suggest he suffered a severe asthma attack, while others indicate cardiac arrest. Local prosecutors have ordered an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. Bodycam footage from the incident is expected to be made available to judicial authorities.
Fakir's family has expressed profound grief and anger. His sister, Khadija, demanded justice, stating, "I want revenge. I will never find peace until my brother gets justice." She recounted receiving only a phone call informing them of his death, adding, "They handcuffed him, and he died. They attacked him... and they beat him. There are witnesses."
Fakir, who lived with his brother, had a history of minor criminal offenses and, according to his family, suffered from underlying health conditions. His sister emphasized that individuals exhibiting agitation should be calmed rather than subjected to force.
The incident has ignited protests across Bologna, with demonstrators chanting anti-police slogans and adopting the raised-fist gesture associated with the Black Lives Matter movement. A second protest was planned for Monday, supported by the city's mayor and trade unions.
Politicians have responded diversely, with opposition figures calling for accountability. Members of the governing coalition defended the officers, asserting they were fulfilling their duty at the request of concerned citizens. A joint statement from Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore and Emilia-Romagna region president Michele De Pascale expressed shock and called for a swift, rigorous, and transparent investigation into the events.
