University of Bologna to hold protests following death of Abderrahim Fakir

The University of Bologna community is organizing a series of events to demand justice and truth following the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-Italian national. Fakir died during a police operation in Bologna on July 19, an incident activists claim was an abuse of power captured on video.

A major gathering is scheduled for September 12 at the university campus on Via Zamboni 38. The day will feature workshops, discussions, a general assembly, and a concert, organized by the Social Intervention Platform (Plat), Sì Cobas, and various migrant communities. The event aims to foster solidarity and raise funds.

Preceding the main event, a meeting will take place on September 11 at the Làbas center, featuring Senator Ilaria Cucchi and Fabio Anselmo, the lawyer representing Fakir’s family. While organizers seek to combat systemic racism and police violence, the mobilization has faced opposition from the Fratelli d’Italia party, with MEP Stefano Cavedagna calling for actions to prevent the event.