Numerous injured in Bologna after protesting police brutality

Written by journalist Danylo Aleksandrov

Dozens of people were injured after clashes with police during protests in Bologna, Italy. People are demanding justice for a man reportedly killed by police using excessive force.

Protests began after death of Abderrahim Fakir during detainment by police who were called by locals after witnessing strange his behavior. Reportedly he was kicking garage doors and “behaving erratically”. Though the police tried to calm him down, it did not work and they resorted to using pepper spray.

Soon a video appeared throughout social media. In it Fakir is lying down and cries for the policemen, who are sitting on him, to stop. At the same time another person who is not law enforcement is seen pinning his legs, while emergency workers stand by. After several minutes Fakir stops moving. When policemen realize this, he is already unconscious, with emergency workers moving in.

The video sparked outrage, with people pointing out that Fakir was clearly unarmed. The victim’s family calls what happened a murder and demands justice. Prosecutors have already opened an investigation into the case. Bologna’s mayor Matteo Lepore described the situation as shocking and called for a demonstration.

While the demonstration held on Monday intended to be peaceful, a group of people have split off from the protest to clash with the police. Aside from this confrontation 2 cars were burned. Tens of injured were reported from both sides.

Participants of the demonstration, including officials have condemned this behavior, urging people to remain peaceful and not fight violence with violence. Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni said that while it is important to find the truth surrounding the death of Abderrahim Fakir, there is no justification of violence toward law enforcement that happened.