Omanghana
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the death of a Moroccan-born man while in police custody in Bologna, as the incident triggers renewed debate over law enforcement conduct and the use of force.
At the same time, Meloni strongly condemned violent protests that followed the death, after clashes between demonstrators and police left dozens of officers injured.
Custody Death of Abderrahim Fakir
The case centers on Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-born man who had lived in Italy since the age of five.
Fakir died on Sunday in Bologna’s Pilastro district following a police intervention after authorities received reports of a man behaving aggressively and damaging a vehicle.
A mobile phone video recorded by a local resident and widely circulated online has intensified public scrutiny of the incident.
The footage appears to show Fakir being restrained face down on the ground by two officers. In the recording, he can be heard pleading for help and repeatedly saying that he cannot breathe before losing consciousness.
His death has prompted comparisons in Italy to international cases involving allegations of excessive police restraint and concerns over whether authorities used appropriate force.
Protests Escalate Into Violence
The video sparked immediate public anger, with thousands of people gathering in Bologna’s city center, including Piazza del Nettuno, to demand accountability and justice.
While many demonstrations remained peaceful, some protests later turned violent.
Authorities reported that groups of protesters:
- Threw firecrackers, bottles, and chairs.
- Set vehicles on fire.
- Clashed with riot police.
Police responded with water cannons and tear gas as officers attempted to control the unrest.
According to Bologna police and the COISP police union, between 56 and 64 police officers were injured during the clashes.
Fakir Family Rejects Violence
Fakir’s family has distanced itself from the unrest through their lawyer, Fabio Anselmo, saying the violence does not represent their pursuit of justice.
The family described the riots as a “direct wound” and expressed solidarity with the injured police officers, while maintaining that the circumstances surrounding Fakir’s death must be fully investigated.
Meloni Calls for Truth and Accountability
Prime Minister Meloni said the investigation must be conducted without political bias or interference.
In a statement posted on X, she said the truth must be established “with the utmost rigour, without prejudice and without leniency toward anyone.”
However, she condemned the violent demonstrations, accusing some groups of exploiting the tragedy as a reason to damage public property and “lay waste to the city.”
Political and Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
Bologna’s center-left mayor, Matteo Lepore, who had initially encouraged residents to gather peacefully in support of justice, also condemned the violence.
However, he warned that Italy must avoid creating situations involving victims similar to the internationally known case of George Floyd in the United States, which sparked global protests over police brutality.
The incident has also drawn diplomatic attention from Morocco.
The Moroccan Foreign Ministry formally requested that Italian authorities fully clarify the circumstances surrounding Fakir’s death and ensure appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible.
Criminal Investigation Underway
Bologna prosecutors have opened an official criminal investigation into the death.
Police authorities have confirmed that investigators are receiving available evidence, including:
- Officer body-camera recordings.
- Regional surveillance footage.
- Other official video material.
The evidence will be used to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine how the confrontation unfolded.
As the investigation continues, the case is expected to remain at the center of Italy’s national conversation over police accountability, public order, and the balance between security measures and individual rights.
Source: Omanghana
