Dozens hurt in Bologna after man dies while being restrained by police
Key Points:
- Protests erupted in Bologna, Italy, after the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan-born man who died while being forcibly restrained by two police officers; clashes with police resulted in injuries to 64 officers and some property damage.
- Video footage shows Fakir restrained face down by police and a civilian, with Fakir ceasing to struggle before becoming unconscious; prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation into the police officers and medical workers present.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a thorough investigation into Fakir's death but condemned the violence against law enforcement during the protests.
- Eyewitnesses and Fakir's family assert he was unarmed, non-threatening, and in distress, with calls for truth and justice highlighting concerns over police conduct and use of force.
- Police union officials defended the officers' actions, stating the intervention was appropriate and that bodycam footage was handed over to prosecutors, while criticizing the timing of the protests for inciting violence.