Abderrahim Fakir died while being restrained by police in Bologna, sparking protests and a manslaughter investigation.

Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-born entrepreneur, died on Sunday after being forcibly restrained by police in the northern Italian city of Bologna. Officers were called to the Pilastro neighborhood to manage Fakir, who was behaving erratically and kicking garage doors. A widely shared video shows Fakir face down on the ground, repeatedly crying out for help as two officers sat on him. He was declared dead at the scene shortly after police attempted to handcuff him. The incident sparked significant unrest, with thousands of people gathering on Monday to demand justice. While many protesters remained peaceful, a group of rioters clashed with police, throwing firecrackers and bottles, leading officers to use tear gas and water cannons. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended the police, stating that while the truth must be investigated, "nothing can justify violence against law enforcement." Conversely, opposition politicians and the city's mayor criticized the government's handling of the event. Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter inquiry into the two officers and four first responders involved.

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