Bologna unrest deepens as Italian authorities investigate death of Moroccan entrepreneur

Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-born entrepreneur, following violent clashes between police and demonstrators in Bologna on Monday. The unrest erupted after widely circulated video footage showed Fakir being forcibly restrained by officers in the Pilastro neighbourhood, during which he called for help before becoming still.

The incident occurred on Sunday in temperatures exceeding 35°C, after police were called to deal with Fakir, who was reportedly behaving aggressively and damaging a vehicle. Media reports indicate that officers attempted to calm the situation before using pepper spray and holding him down to handcuff him. The video, filmed by a resident, depicts Fakir lying face-down while two officers sat on him, repeatedly shouting "aiuto, aiuto, basta" ("help, help, that's enough") before he stopped moving.

Fakir, who ran a small removals and cleaning business, reportedly suffered from heart issues and asthma. The footage shows that his ankles were bound only after he became unresponsive, with officers and ambulance workers checking his vital signs shortly thereafter. Bologna police have agreed to provide bodycam footage from the intervening officers to investigators to assist with the inquiry.

The death has polarised the political landscape. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated he had "full confidence" that the inquiry would establish the facts, while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition has defended the officers involved. Conversely, European Affairs Minister Tommaso Foti condemned chants of "police murderers" during the protests as disgraceful, even as opposition politicians demanded greater accountability for the use of force.

Fakir’s family and legal representatives have expressed deep concern over the circumstances of his death. His sister, Khadija, told reporters, "They killed my brother in cold blood, I want justice." Lawyer Barbara Spinelli confirmed that Fakir was in Italy legally but had previously expressed fear of expulsion, noting that he had described himself as a "kind, well educated, respectful person" during a permit renewal meeting last year.

As protests continued into Monday, with demonstrators holding slogans such as "Justice and truth for Fakir!" and some throwing firecrackers near police buildings, authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. A group of protesters later sat in a square holding a photograph of Fakir in a gesture of nonviolent protest, highlighting the ongoing tension between civil rights advocates and law enforcement in the region.