Violent clashes broke out between protesters and police in Bologna on Monday night, as a demonstration triggered by the death of 42-year-old Moroccan national Fakir Abdelrahim turned ugly.
Abdelrahim died on Sunday afternoon after being restrained by police officers who had responded to reports of aggressive behaviour, possibly linked to a psychotic episode. Footage circulating online shows the 42-year-old, who suffered from asthma and a heart condition, calling for help while pinned to the ground, before he stopped breathing minutes later.
At Monday’s demonstration, a section of the crowd hurled bottles, iron bars and firecrackers at police, who responded with water cannon and tear gas. The victim’s family had appealed beforehand for the protest to remain peaceful and free of violence.
The incident has prompted particular outrage after it emerged that Red Cross paramedics were present a short distance away during the restraint and Abdelrahim’s calls for help, but did not intervene.
Bologna’s public prosecutor’s office said investigations are now under way into six people — two police officers and four paramedics — over possible manslaughter charges. Prosecutors said “the events are more extensive than what is shown in the video posted on the internet.”
Notably, the inquiry is being conducted under a special procedure introduced under legislation brought in by the Meloni government, which takes into account that the officers and paramedics involved “were present at the specific location, due to a valid, professional reason.”
