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Abderrahim Fakir's death in Bologna sparks protests and investigation
On July 19, 2026, Moroccan‑Italian resident Abderrahim Fakir (aged 42‑43) died after police restrained him on the ground in Bologna’s Pilastro neighbourhood. Video released online shows two officers handcuffing him, pressing his body to the pavement while he repeatedly pleas for help; emergency medics arrived later and could not revive him. Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation and are examining two police officers and four emergency‑service workers for voluntary manslaughter.
The incident triggered large demonstrations in Bologna. Thousands gathered on the streets; some protests remained peaceful while others turned violent, with Molotov cocktails, fire, and clashes that required water‑cannons, tear gas and resulted in dozens of injured police officers and several protesters. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and demanded a rigorous, unbiased inquiry, while Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi called the episode a “great tragedy” and urged trust in the judiciary. Morocco’s foreign ministry also called for a swift, comprehensive investigation and pledged to monitor the case closely. Autopsy results and a review of the use of prone restraint and pepper spray are pending as the investigation continues.