Protesters clashed with police in the Italian city of Bologna after Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-born man, died while being restrained by officers on Sunday, prompting comparisons with the 2020 killing of George Floyd.
Key facts
- Abderrahim Fakir, 42, died on Sunday while being restrained by police in Bologna, Italy.
- Fakir had lived in Italy since he was five years old and ran a small removals and cleaning business.
- Police used teargas and water cannon on protesters during clashes, according to the Guardian.
- A video of Fakir's final moments sparked the protests, according to Al Jazeera.
- The death has drawn comparisons with the 2020 killing of George Floyd.
Protesters have clashed with police in the Italian city of Bologna following the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-born man, who died while officers restrained him on the ground. According to the Guardian, Fakir died on Sunday while pleading for help under police restraint.
Fakir had moved to Italy when he was five years old and ran a small removals and cleaning business, the Guardian reported. His death has prompted human rights campaigners and Italy’s opposition parties to demand urgent answers over the circumstances of the arrest.
A video showing Fakir’s final moments as he was detained by police helped spark the demonstrations, according to Al Jazeera. The footage and the manner of his death have drawn comparisons with the killing of George Floyd in the United States in 2020.
During the protests in Bologna, police clashed with demonstrators, with officers using teargas and water cannon on the crowds, according to the Guardian. Sky News also reported that protesters clashed with police after the death.
Al Jazeera described outrage spreading across Italy’s political spectrum in response to the death. The comparisons with the George Floyd case reflect the intensity of public reaction and concerns raised about the use of police restraint.
Why it matters
The death of Abderrahim Fakir under police restraint has triggered nationwide scrutiny of police conduct in Italy and drawn comparisons with a case that sparked global protests. With rights groups and opposition parties demanding answers, the incident raises pressing questions about accountability and the treatment of people during arrests.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Abderrahim Fakir?
Abderrahim Fakir was a 42-year-old Moroccan-born man who had lived in Italy since he was five years old and ran a small removals and cleaning business, according to the Guardian.
What happened during the arrest?
According to the Guardian, Fakir died on Sunday while pleading for help as police restrained him on the ground. A video of his final moments was shared and helped spark protests, according to Al Jazeera.
How did police respond to the protests?
During the demonstrations in Bologna, police clashed with protesters and used teargas and water cannon on the crowds, according to the Guardian.