Bologna, July 28, 2026 – The tense standoff between Bologna and the Government continues. On one side of the table is still Mayor Matteo Lepore, under protection since yesterday after receiving death threats via social media (which are reportedly ongoing) for having called a demonstration for Abderrahim Fakir on July 20 in the square, who died the day before during a police intervention in the Bologna suburb of Pilastro, followed by a night of rioting that led to devastation, burned cars, violent graffiti, and a toll of over 60 injured officers. On the other side are Francesco Paolo Sisto, Deputy Minister of Justice, and Galeazzo Bignami, leader of Brothers of Italy in the Chamber.
Deputy Minister Sisto: “Behavior bordering on eventual intent”
The Forza Italia representative the other evening labeled Lepore’s decision as “bordering on intent”: “Unfortunately, violence has become the common thread of the way of protesting – the deputy minister points out –. I recall many peaceful protest demonstrations where democracy triumphed, but today protests are violent and this also depends on some absolutely inappropriate choices. I am referring to Mr. Lepore’s choice, a decision bordering on eventual intent, that is, taking on the risk that such a serious event could happen. Attacking the uniforms means attacking the State, on this I expect synergy and help from the opposition: Lepore’s defense was inappropriate. Security measures have proven indispensable and necessary to mark the difference between a submissive State and a State that intervenes to protect citizens.”
Lepore: “Unity is needed”
Lepore remains composed and during the presentation of initiatives for the 46th anniversary of the Bologna station massacre responds, without mentioning Sisto: “I believe institutions should all work at this moment to ease tensions and stay united because against the violent it is necessary that the Italian Republic and the State, from municipalities to ministries, show unity against violence, as President Mattarella also requested. I believe the best thing right now is to be united and not attack each other.”
“This is not the time for polemics”
The mayor of Bologna says he has received private messages of solidarity from some colleagues from other cities and from an opposition city councilor, although he has seen “other more formal expressions of solidarity on social media.” He says “this is not the time for polemics,” even though “many things could be said,” while “it is enough for citizens to read the pages of political leaders to get an idea.”
Read more Fakir, there are 2 more videos. The police officer’s bodycam shows 4 passersby helping the officers
“I did not ask for the protection”
He then continues: “I have read the statements of Minister Piantedosi, I thank the Interior Ministry, the officers who will follow me, and all police personnel. I want to clarify that I did not ask for the protection: I filed a complaint for threats that arrived. I have great respect for the work of the police: I would gladly do without the limitation of my freedom, but it is an obligation presented to me by the Prefect and so I will comply.”
“Those who are mayors take some risks of the job into account”
He adds that he “does not feel in danger” and that he is “fully in the hands of the State,” as well as that “those who are mayors take some risks of the job into account” and that for the run for a second term in view of the 2027 Municipal Elections “nothing changes at all”. In the afternoon, finally, a long speech in the City Council, where Lepore returns to the Fakir case, defending the choice to call a rally and reiterating how “Bologna took to the streets in front of many wounds,” citing the femicide of Alessandra Matteuzzi, the stabbing to death of 16-year-old Fallou Sall, and the murder of train conductor Alessandro Ambrosio. “I understand that for some there are citizens who have a different value than others, but not for the Municipality of Bologna.”
Bignami: “He immediately set the square on fire”
Also Bignami comments again on Lepore’s moves. “The death of a person is always a tragedy and it is right that the government reports in the Chamber – says the Meloni supporter –, but the briefing must also clarify the responsibilities of the mayor, who immediately set the square on fire. Asking for ‘justice’ at that moment means taking for granted that an injustice was committed and accusing the police of murder. It is unacceptable. The left acts as a shield for the social centers that wreak havoc in Bologna. And FdI has the courage to name the perpetrators of these violences: PD, Five Star Movement, and Italian Left, who fuel hatred every day against those who wear a uniform.”
