Protests have erupted in Bologna, Italy, after a 42-year-old Moroccan migrant died following a violent police restraint that has drawn comparisons to the death of George Floyd in the United States. Abderrahim Fakir, who ran a small cleaning business in the city, died while handcuffed on Sunday, July 19, after police responded to reports of him behaving erratically.
Footage Shows Officers Pinning Man Face-Down
Video footage shows two police officers pinning Fakir face-down to the ground as he screamed for help. A third person, believed to be a resident of the Pilastro neighborhood, is seen holding his feet down during the struggle. Two paramedics stand nearby along with three other spectators. Fakir can be heard desperately crying out: "Help, enough, enough." Local media reported that police used pepper spray on him during the confrontation. He was heard begging for water as the encounter continued for several minutes, until his movements stopped and he appeared to lose consciousness. Officers and a resident then tied his feet together.
Police Account and Investigation
Police were called after residents reported a man shouting and acting agitated. Authorities said Fakir allegedly struck a police vehicle before officers arrived and attempted to contain him. According to local police, "After containment operations, which were carried out in the presence of paramedics, the man died." Police said bodycam footage from the incident would be made available to judicial authorities. It remains unclear how Fakir died, with reports suggesting he may have suffered a severe asthma attack or cardiac arrest. Prosecutors have ordered an autopsy to establish the cause of death.
Family Demands Justice
Fakir's family has spoken of their heartbreak and demanded answers. His sister Khadija told local media: "I demand justice. I want revenge. I will never find peace until my brother gets justice. We don't know what happened; we only received a phone call saying he was dead. They handcuffed him, and he died. They attacked him… and they beat him. There are witnesses." Fakir, who lived with his brother, suffered from underlying health conditions, according to his family. Speaking about the officers involved, his sister said: "If someone is agitated, you have to calm them down."
Protests Sweep Bologna
The shocking footage sparked protests across Bologna, with hundreds taking to the streets demanding answers over Fakir's death. Demonstrators reportedly chanted anti-police slogans and knelt with raised fists, a gesture associated with the Black Lives Matter movement after George Floyd's death. A further protest was planned in central Bologna, backed by centre-left Mayor Matteo Lepore, the Cgil trade union, and other left-wing groups. The League party, part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, called for a full investigation but defended the officers, saying they were "doing their duty" after being called by "exasperated citizens."
Manslaughter Investigation Opened
Fakir's death is now being investigated by Bologna prosecutors, who have opened a manslaughter investigation into those involved in the "various phases" of the police operation. The case includes two police officers and four ambulance workers, although prosecutors said there are currently no suspects. Investigators said the probe would examine the full sequence of events, including the moments before and after the footage circulating online. Fakir's lawyer, Barbara Spinelli, described him as a "kind, polite, and respectful person" who cared deeply about his business and employees. She said: "He was an extremely kind, polite, and respectful person. A worker who cared about his company and his employees. He's the last client I'd imagine would suffer such an end." Spinelli said Fakir had been living legally in Italy since childhood and was renewing his residence permit.
