Deadly police operation in Bologna: Hundreds protest against police

Background: What happened in the Pilastro neighborhood?

Eyewitnesses and a video published by the newspaper La Repubblica, which a neighbor reportedly filmed from a window, document a different course of events. According to this account, officers used pepper spray, pressed the man to the ground, and secured his wrists with handcuffs or zip ties. A third man in civilian clothing held down his ankles. In the video, the man can be heard repeatedly shouting „Aiuto! Basta, basta!" while the uniformed officers did not release him.

Only after more than four minutes, when the man had stopped moving, did the officers turn him over. Two paramedics who were at the scene initially observed the proceedings without intervening before finally turning the man onto his back and transporting him away. A doctor pronounced him dead at 12:53. A preliminary examination found injuries to the back of the head and the face.

On Sunday evening, several hundred people gathered in central Bologna to protest, with chants against the police and calls for justice heard. Protesters chanted „assassinio di stato". A firecracker was set off near a police building. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons against the demonstrators.

Investigation and autopsy

The Bologna public prosecutor's office announced on Monday that an investigation had been opened to clarify the circumstances of the death. It has not yet been decided whether the investigation will be against persons unknown or targeted specifically at the two officers and possibly also the paramedics. The body camera footage from the two police officers involved has been handed over to the judiciary, according to the Bologna police.

An autopsy is to determine the cause of death and, in particular, to investigate whether possible pre-existing conditions were the cause of death. According to family members, the man — whom police said was 43 years old — suffered from health problems. Disciplinary measures against the officers had not initially been announced.

Political reactions

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said he had full confidence that the investigation would clarify the circumstances. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had initially not publicly commented and later pledged „völlige Transparenz". Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, head of coalition partner Lega, defended the operation and said of the officers: „Ich stehe immer auf der Seite der Polizei".

Outrage and protests

Senator Ilaria Cucchi of the Greens condemned the incident as an inhumane act and accused the government of fueling hatred and racism. Mayor Matteo Lepore called for a silent memorial event on Monday evening. The deceased man's sister said: „Ich werde keine Ruhe finden, bis mein Bruder gerächt ist. Sie haben ihn geschlagen und getötet."

The police firmly rejected the allegations in an initial response, stating that they had intervened at the request and complaints of residents. The case has triggered a wave of outrage in Italy and has reignited the debate over police violence, migration, and the handling of mental health crises.