Dozens hurt in Bologna protests after man dies while being restrained by police

What the report says

BBC World News reports that protests erupted in Bologna, Italy, after Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan-born man, died on Sunday while being restrained by two police officers in the working-class Pilastro neighbourhood. Several thousand people demonstrated on Monday night calling for justice, while a smaller group later clashed with police. Prosecutors said 64 officers were injured in the unrest, and two cars were set alight.

According to the BBC, police had been called after a neighbour reported Fakir acting erratically and kicking garage doors. Italian media circulated video showing officers restraining him face down, with a civilian holding his legs, as emergency workers stood nearby. Prosecutors in Bologna have opened a manslaughter investigation involving the officers and medical personnel present. Witnesses quoted by Italian media said Fakir appeared distressed but unarmed, and his family has demanded the truth about what happened.

Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore, who supported the central demonstration, said the city had seen both a large peaceful gathering for Fakir’s family and a smaller group intent on violence. A police union leader, Domenico Pianese, criticised the decision to call a protest so soon after the death and said, based on the images he had seen, the police intervention appeared correct.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Fakir’s death must be fully investigated, but condemned attacks on officers and said the unrest could not be justified. The case has drawn comparisons in Italy to earlier deaths in police custody, including that of Stefano Cucchi in 2009, and has prompted renewed political debate over policing, accountability and the treatment of people in distress.