Protests turn violent after man dies during Italian police arrest

A man died after being restrained by police during an arrest in Bologna, Italy, sparking violent protests that left dozens of officers injured. The incident, captured in a widely shared video, has drawn comparisons to the killing of George Floyd in the United States and raised concerns over police tactics. Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-born resident who had lived in Italy since childhood, died on Sunday while being held down by two officers. According to the footage, Fakir repeatedly cried out for help before stopping movement, prompting the officers to bind his legs. Ambulance workers arrived later, but did not immediately check his vital signs. Fakir’s death occurred after police were called to the scene following reports of erratic behavior. Officers told emergency personnel that he was experiencing a psychiatric episode. His sister, Khadija, told Corriere della Sera that the police should have calmed him instead of causing harm. She described the situation as akin to treating a person “like a dog.” Prosecutors in Bologna have launched an investigation and requested access to the officers’ body camera footage. The incident ignited protests in Bologna on Monday, with demonstrators holding signs demanding justice for Fakir. Some carried slogans such as “Justice and truth for Fakir!” and “State murderers,” reflecting public outrage. At least 56 police officers were injured during the clashes, according to reports. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, accusing protesters of using the incident as a pretext for chaos. “Those who chose to use this incident as a pretext to lay waste to the city, attack officers and spread violence … were not seeking the truth: they were seeking confrontation,” she stated. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi urged citizens to respect law enforcement and emphasized trust in the justice system. Meanwhile, far-right Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and members of Meloni’s ruling party defended the police, praising their professional conduct. However, some critics, including Senator Ilaria Cucchi, voiced anger over the lack of accountability. Cucchi, whose brother died in custody in 2009, accused the government of fostering a climate of violence through policies rooted in “hatred and racism.” Cucchi belongs to the opposition Greens and Left alliance (AVS) and criticized the prime minister’s right-wing coalition. She argued that the current political environment has made society more prone to unrest. Francesco Boccia, leader of the center-left Democratic Party (PD) in the Senate, warned against importing U.S. immigration enforcement models, stating that Italy has “democratic antibodies” against such approaches. Legal representative Barbara Spinelli, who had met Fakir earlier this year, described him as a “very kind, well-educated, respectful person” who was living in Italy legally but feared deportation. She noted that Fakir had sought legal advice on renewing his residency permit, indicating his awareness of his status and concern for his future. As the investigation continues, tensions remain high. While authorities emphasize the need for stability, activists and families of victims continue to demand transparency and reform. The case underscores broader debates over policing practices and the treatment of migrants in Italy, with implications extending beyond one individual’s fate. The outcome of the inquiry will likely shape public discourse and policy discussions in the coming weeks.