Bologna protests after Moroccan entrepreneur dies while restrained by police

Protesters and police clashed in Bologna, Italy, on Monday after the death of Moroccan‑born entrepreneur Abderrahim Fakir, who was 42 years old. The incident occurred when police officers forcibly restrained Fakir, and footage that has circulated widely shows the man being held face‑down on the ground while repeatedly calling for help before he died.

The video, which was shared across social media platforms, depicts officers maintaining a grip on Fakir’s head and body as he struggles and pleads for assistance. The footage has prompted immediate outcry from demonstrators, who gathered in the city center to demand an investigation into the circumstances of his death. Police officials have yet to release a formal statement explaining the actions taken during the restraint.

Authorities are expected to review the incident and the accompanying footage. The death has sparked calls for accountability and for clearer protocols regarding the use of force in crowd control situations. The city’s police department has announced an internal inquiry and will cooperate with independent investigators as the matter unfolds.