On Tuesday, Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed her strong disapproval of the riots that erupted in Bologna on Monday, which were sparked by the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan man who died while being restrained by police. Meloni emphasized that there can be no justification for the violence that unfolded during the protests, which resulted in significant injuries and damage. According to the Bologna police, 64 officers sustained injuries, with recovery times estimated between three and 35 days, and several police vehicles were damaged amidst the chaos. Additionally, protestors destroyed dozens of electric bicycles valued at approximately 30,000 euros, using them to create barricades, while city property was also set ablaze, including three municipal vehicles and numerous dumpsters.
In a statement shared via social media, Meloni condemned the events, asserting, "What happened in Bologna is unacceptable." She called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Fakir's death, insisting that the pursuit of truth must be relentless and impartial. However, she firmly stated that nothing can justify the violence directed at law enforcement. Meloni criticized those who exploited the incident to incite chaos, emphasizing that their actions endangered the safety of uninvolved citizens and contributed to a dangerous atmosphere of animosity towards law enforcement agencies. "Those who serve Italy with professionalism, sacrifice, and courage should not be turned into targets," she remarked.
Fakir, who had lived in Italy since childhood, died while being restrained face down by police officers. Eyewitness footage captured him pleading for help as he struggled against the police before losing consciousness. Reports indicate that paramedics were present but failed to recognize when Fakir stopped breathing. The police were called to the scene in Bologna's Pilastro quarter due to Fakir experiencing a "psychiatric crisis" and behaving erratically, allegedly threatening a man parking his car. Initially attempting to calm him, police resorted to using pepper spray and subsequently restrained him by tying his hands and ankles.
In the wake of this incident, investigators have launched a probe into involuntary manslaughter and are scrutinizing the actions of the two police officers involved as well as the four paramedics present. A new legal framework, known as the 45 bis model, has been implemented for the first time in this case, which aims to provide increased protection for police officers accused of misconduct while performing their duties. This procedure means that instead of being automatically placed under formal investigation, the officers’ names will be included in the preliminary notes of the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Fakir's family has publicly condemned the violence that took place during the protests and is calling for clarity regarding his death. His niece, Yossra Fakir, stated, "We will not allow my uncle's memory to be tarnished. We are enduring immense grief, but it must not be turned into violence — absolutely not. My uncle is not just a number or a case file; he was a person with a life and a family seeking answers. We want the truth and accountability. We ask for respect for my uncle—for his memory and dignity—and for his family. We will continue to make our voices heard until we get answers."
As reported by ansa.it.
