Economy

    Bologna Protests Erupt After Man Dies in Police Custody

    Dozens injured and investigations launched following the death of Abderrahim Fakir during a police restraint.

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    Thousands of people took to the streets in Bologna, Italy, following the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan-born man, while being restrained by police officers. The protests, which began on Monday night, resulted in 64 police officers sustaining injuries and two cars being set on fire. Prosecutors in Bologna have initiated a manslaughter investigation into the police officers and medical personnel present during the incident. The unrest was triggered by the death of Fakir, who was reportedly behaving erratically on Sunday morning before police were called. A video circulating in Italian media shows two officers restraining Fakir face down, with a third person pinning his legs. Fakir stopped struggling about two minutes into the video, and an ambulance worker later found him unconscious. This incident has ignited a broader conversation in Italy about police conduct and accountability. Similar cases of deaths in police custody, such as that of Stefano Cucchi in 2009, have previously drawn public scrutiny. The current situation highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and parts of the community, particularly concerning the use of force. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a comprehensive investigation into Fakir's death, emphasizing that the truth must be uncovered. However, she also strongly condemned the violence directed at law enforcement during the protests. Meloni stated that nothing justifies attacks on police officers, suggesting that those who resorted to violence were seeking confrontation rather than truth. Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore acknowledged the public's shock after viewing the video of the incident. He called for the initial demonstration, which was largely peaceful, and invited Fakir's niece, Yossra Fakir, to speak. Yossra Fakir emphasized that her uncle was a loved individual who deserved help and dignity, not to die in such circumstances. Conversely, Domenico Pianese, Secretary-General of the police union, criticized Mayor Lepore's decision to call for a demonstration so soon after the event. Pianese argued that such calls could attract anti-police elements and lead to chaos. He defended the officers' actions, stating that the intervention appeared to be carried out correctly based on the available images. Pianese pointed to the need for pepper spray and civilian assistance to restrain Fakir as evidence that the force used was not excessive. He also noted that the officers immediately handed over all bodycam footage to prosecutors. This stance from the police union underscores the differing perspectives on the incident and the appropriate response. Fakir's family, who arrived in Italy over three decades ago, had been living near Bologna, where he operated a small logistics and delivery company. His lawyer, Barbara Spinelli, questioned why Fakir died in the hands of those whose institutional duty was to protect his life. This sentiment resonates with opposition politicians who have criticized the government's perceived solidarity with the police. Ilaria Cucchi, a senator whose brother died in police custody, criticized the government's stance. Francesco Boccia of the Democratic Party warned against importing models of policing that might not suit Italy. These comments indicate a political divide on how to address such incidents and ensure justice and accountability.

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