Nothing can justify Bologna violence, says Meloni

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 21 - Premier Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday that there could be no justification for Monday's rioting in Bologna by protesters demonstrating about the case of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan man who died in the city on Sunday while being restrained by police. The protesters threw objects and engaged in violent clashes with police, while also causing havoc with acts of vandalism in which at least one vehicle belonging to the local authority was torched. "What happened in Bologna is unacceptable," Meloni said via social media. "It is imperative that any responsibility regarding the death of Abderrahim Fakir be investigated with the utmost rigour. "The truth must be pursued to the very end, without prejudice and without leniency for anyone. "But nothing can justify violence against law enforcement. "Those who chose to use this incident as a pretext to wreak havoc on the city, attack officers, and sow violence?thereby also endangering the safety of citizens completely uninvolved in the unrest?were not seeking the truth: they were seeking confrontation. "Fuelling a climate of hatred and delegitimization toward an entire branch of the State is a act of serious irresponsibility. "Turning thousands of men and women in uniform into targets amounts to striking at those who serve Italy every day with professionalism, sacrifice, and courage". (see related). (ANSA).