Public demonstrations erupted across Italy following the death of a Moroccan-born resident during a police restraint operation in Bologna.

Thousands gathered on Monday evening to call for accountability in the case of Abderrahim Fakir.

A splinter group later engaged in confrontations that lasted into the evening, resulting in injuries to 64 officers according to prosecutors.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the need for a full inquiry into the circumstances while emphasizing that attacks on officers remain unjustifiable under any conditions.

Authorities responded to reports of erratic behavior in the Pilastro district on Sunday, where officers deployed pepper spray after initial attempts to de-escalate failed.

Footage shared widely depicts two officers positioned atop the prone individual as he vocalizes distress, with a bystander securing his lower limbs while medical personnel observe nearby.

Within moments Fakir ceases movement, prompting officers to bind his extremities before one delivers facial slaps upon noticing his stillness, at which point responders confirm his unresponsive state.

Bologna prosecutors have launched a manslaughter probe targeting both the involved officers and attending medical staff.

Witness accounts indicate Fakir showed signs of agitation yet posed no threat and carried no weapons.

His sister Khadija expressed to outlets that such an outcome was unacceptable and called for complete transparency in the matter.

Mayor Matteo Lepore noted widespread shock upon viewing the recording and organized the central gathering, where Fakir's niece addressed attendees.

She highlighted her uncle's humanity and need for support rather than force during the encounter.

The primary assembly remained orderly, though roughly 100 participants later ignited vehicles and clashed with authorities.

Lepore described contrasting scenes in the city, with peaceful expressions of solidarity alongside a smaller faction favoring aggressive responses.

Police union leader Domenico Pianese faulted the mayor for scheduling the event so soon after the incident, suggesting it invited disruptive elements.

He maintained the officers acted appropriately based on available recordings and noted prompt handover of bodycam material to investigators.

Meloni labeled the overall situation unacceptable and reiterated that probes must proceed without serving as cover for attacks on law enforcement.

She added that those exploiting the event for destruction sought conflict rather than facts.

Reports indicate the family settled in Italy more than thirty years ago, with Fakir operating a modest logistics firm near Bologna.

His legal representative Barbara Spinelli posted that he was diligent and gentle, questioning why institutional protectors failed him.

Protest placards referenced prior custody deaths such as Stefano Cucchi in 2009, prompting his sister, now a senator, to decry official support for police.

Opposition figures including Francesco Boccia of the Democratic Party also voiced concerns over government alignment with security forces.