Bologna: 12 investigated for clashes after Fakir's death

Bologna prosecutors have officially opened a case against 12 demonstrators following urban unrest that erupted the day after the death of Abderrahim Fakir. The clashes occurred between protesters and police outside the Prefecture. The investigation, led by prosecutor Stefano Dambruoso, involves charges of resisting public officials, disguising oneself, and property damage.

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Bologna is already back to normal since the next day. I say this to those who paint it as a destroyed city: it is not. It is a strong city, facing a wound openly and preparing, as every year, for August 2 with a moment of reflection, participation, and closeness to the victims' families.

Among the accused is a 20-year-old who was arrested during the disturbances and later released with a ban from residing in the Bologna metropolitan area. His trial is set to begin on September 9. The events of July 20, the day after Fakir's death during a police stop, have sparked significant controversy, particularly targeting Mayor Matteo Lepore. He had promoted a solidarity gathering, which was then joined by a group of about 100 people who confronted the police.

The mayor, who has received threats on social media and is now under police protection, defended his decision. "Bologna has already returned to normal since the next day," he stated. "I say this to those who paint it as a destroyed city: it is not. It is a strong city, facing a wound openly and preparing, as every year, for August 2 with a moment of reflection, participation, and closeness to the victims' families." He emphasized Bologna's "very strong democratic antibodies."

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Bologna has very strong democratic antibodies.

Meanwhile, investigations into Fakir's death are ongoing. Six individuals, including two police officers and four Red Cross workers, are already on the preliminary registry. In response to a request from Fakir's family lawyer, Fabio Anselmo, to have the investigation handled by a different police force, the prosecution stated that the best guarantee for impartiality is the coordination by prosecutors. Fakir's sister and niece, after meeting with Police Chief Vittorio Pisani, expressed "confidence in justice and the Italian police." Anselmo described their words as a lesson in "education and civility to all unionized police."

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confidence in justice and the Italian police.

Forensic experts will examine Fakir's mobile phone to reconstruct his final days. The lawyer for the two police officers has requested that the forensic analysis also include about fifteen videos, including a 40-minute bodycam recording from one of the officers.

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education and civility to all unionized police.