U Bologni, u sukobima između policije i prosvjednika, desetine ranjenih

In Bologna, protests sparked by the death of a Moroccan man during a police arrest escalated into violence, leaving multiple injured officers and civilians. The incident occurred on Sunday morning in the working-class district of Pilastro, when local residents called the police after witnessing the erratic and aggressive behavior of 42-year-old Abderrahim Fakir. According to reports from the prosecutor’s office, 64 police officers were injured during the confrontation, while rescue services documented 11 civilian casualties. The situation unfolded amid widespread public outrage over allegations of excessive force by law enforcement. The protests began peacefully on Monday evening, with thousands gathering in Bologna to demand justice for Fakir. However, a smaller group of demonstrators later broke away from the main crowd and clashed with police. On video footage circulating widely among Italian media, two officers can be seen seated on Fakir, who was lying face down and repeatedly pleading for help. A third person, not identified as a police officer, held his legs as emergency responders waited nearby. Approximately two minutes after the recording started, Fakir, who reportedly had heart and asthma issues, stopped resisting. One officer then restrained his wrists and ankles, and upon noticing that Fakir had ceased movement, struck him twice across the face. When a paramedic approached, it became clear that Fakir was no longer conscious. British broadcaster BBC reported that a doctor confirmed his death on-site. The prosecutor's office in Bologna has initiated an investigation into the incident, citing potential manslaughter charges against the officers and rescuers involved. Authorities have requested access to body camera footage from the police, which could provide crucial evidence in determining the cause of death. A post-mortem examination will also be conducted to establish the exact circumstances surrounding Fakir’s demise. Witnesses described seeing Fakir in distress but noted he did not threaten anyone and was clearly unarmed. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the events in Bologna as unacceptable, emphasizing the urgent need to uncover the truth behind the weekend incident. She stated that “nothing justifies violence against law enforcement” and criticized those using the tragedy as an excuse for arson, attacks on police, and the spread of unrest. “Those who decided to use this incident as an excuse for chaos are not seeking the truth, they are seeking conflict,” she added. The government has pledged full transparency in the ongoing inquiry, with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stating that anyone who expresses distrust in the police or judicial system should consider whether they truly believe in its integrity. Fakir, who had lived in Italy since childhood and operated a small cleaning business, has become a symbol of broader concerns regarding police conduct. His death has drawn comparisons to the killing of George Floyd in the United States in 2020, which triggered nationwide protests and intense scrutiny of law enforcement practices. Advocacy groups and opposition parties have called for immediate answers and accountability, highlighting Fakir’s long-standing legal residency and his respectful demeanor toward authorities. His sister, Kadiya, told Italian media that the police should have protected him instead of treating him like an animal. “If someone is upset, they must be calmed, not killed like a dog,” she said. As the investigation continues, tensions remain high in Bologna, with calls for both justice and reform. The case underscores growing public skepticism toward police actions and highlights the complex intersection of race, immigration, and state authority in Italian society. With international attention focused on the incident, the outcome of the inquiry could have far-reaching implications for how law enforcement is perceived and regulated in the country.