"What happened in Bologna is unacceptable." Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took to social media following the death of Abderrahim Fakir and the clashes that erupted last night in the city. "What happened in Bologna is unacceptable. It is imperative that any responsibilities regarding Abderrahim Fakir's death be thoroughly investigated. The truth must be sought thoroughly, without prejudice or discounts. But nothing can justify violence against law enforcement," the Prime Minister stated.
"Those who chose to use this incident as a pretext to set the city ablaze, attack officers, and sow violence, endangering the safety of citizens who had nothing to do with the unrest, weren't seeking the truth: they were seeking confrontation," Meloni added. " Fostering a climate of hatred and delegitimization toward an entire body of the State is a grave act of irresponsibility. Turning thousands of women and men in uniform into targets means striking those who serve Italy every day with professionalism, sacrifice, and courage."
Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore also weighed in on the matter, addressing yesterday's demonstrations in an open letter to the city: "Yesterday, Bologna saw two squares. Piazza Nettuno represents Bologna. There were thousands of people who gathered peacefully and spontaneously to express their support for Abderrahim Fakir's family. Piazza Roosevelt and the clashes, however, do not represent Bologna. Anyone who thinks they can respond to violence with violence is stepping outside the rule of law. And therefore, they are stepping outside our democratic community ."
(Unioneonline/D)