Rabat – Italian opposition leader Elly Schlein has accused the state of failing to protect Abderrahim Fakir, whose violent killing at the hands of police in Bologna has shocked Italy, saying authorities now have a duty to uncover the truth as public anger continues to grow.
Speaking on Italian television, Schlein, head of the Democratic Party, said: “The state failed Fakir, and it is up to the state to fully establish the truth.”
She defended Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore, who organized a public gathering demanding justice for Fakir, saying he was trying to respond to the grief and frustration of the community rather than leave space for extremist groups to exploit public anger.
“Lepore chose to govern the frustration and disorientation of an entire community,” Schlein said, while strongly condemning the violence that later erupted in the city. She described the clashes as “unacceptable.”
The case centers on Moroccan national Abderrahim Fakir, whose killing sparked outrage after disturbing footage of the horrifying incident circulated online. The video showed two police officers kneeling on top of Fakir and pinning him face down as he repeatedly cried out for help, crying “help” and “enough.”
Meanwhile, paramedics, who were present at the scene, stood still as they watched Fakir crying for help until he lost consciousness.
The shocking video, taken by a resident from their window, quickly spread online, both in Italy and Morocco, as well as elsewhere. Fakir’s devastated family members, speaking to the media, expressed their shock at the video and demanded justice for their relative.
As the family grieves Fakir’s loss, Right-wing Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini sparked outrage for his tone deaf remarks urging the victim’s family “not to speak of revenge.”
“I stand by the two police officers in Bologna and the four emergency medical workers from the 118 ambulance service,” Salvini added.
Meanwhile, calls for justice continue to grow across Italy. Thousands have taken to the streets in Bologna and other cities, demanding accountability for Fakir’s killing and calling for those responsible to face justice.
Protesters carried signs demanding “truth and justice” and accused authorities of failing to protect the young man. While many demonstrations remained peaceful, some ended in clashes with police.
