Italy Protests Erupt After Immigrant Dies in Police Custody

Protests have intensified in Italy after the death of 35-year-old Abderrahim Fakir while in police custody in Bologna, prompting calls for justice and multiple official investigations into the incident.

Fakir, a Moroccan-born legal resident of Italy who had lived in Bologna since childhood, died on Sunday after police responded to reports of a man damaging a vehicle in the city's Pilastro district. Officers said they used pepper spray before restraining and handcuffing him after he allegedly became aggressive.

Footage widely shared on social media appears to show Fakir repeatedly calling for help and saying he could not breathe before becoming unresponsive. His family said he suffered from asthma and heart disease and had no history of criminal offences.

Demonstrators gathered in Bologna on Monday, with clashes breaking out after some protesters confronted police. 

Authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, while police unions said dozens of officers were injured and accused activists of fueling hostility through misleading online footage.

Authorities have launched multiple investigations into Fakir's death, including a review of police conduct and the emergency response timeline. Police have pledged to hand over full body-camera footage to investigators.

Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore urged the public to remain calm while acknowledging that "something clearly went wrong," saying, "You cannot die like this." Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called for the full facts to be established, while condemning attempts to incite hatred against police before the investigation is concluded.