PBC rebukes minority over political statements

Thousands of people marched through the Italian city of Bologna after the death of a Moroccan born man who died while being restrained by police, prompting a criminal investigation and violent clashes that left dozens of officers injured. The protests were held in memory of Abderrahim Fakir, whose death on Sunday has sparked widespread public anger and renewed debate over police conduct in Italy. Demonstrators gathered to demand justice before a smaller group broke away from the main rally and clashed with riot police late into the night. Authorities said 64 police officers were injured during the unrest as protesters threw objects, confronted security forces and set two vehicles on fire. Police eventually brought the situation under control. The incident that led to the demonstrations began after officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically in Bologna’s Pilastro neighbourhood. According to police, Fakir was seen kicking garage doors before officers attempted to calm him. They later used pepper spray during the confrontation. A video widely shared by Italian media shows two police officers holding Fakir face down on the ground while another man restrains his legs. Emergency medical workers are also visible nearby. In the footage, Fakir can be heard asking the officers to stop before he gradually stops moving. After he became unresponsive, officers handcuffed him and attempted to wake him before medical staff intervened. Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation involving the police officers and emergency workers who were present at the scene. The inquiry will examine whether the restraint methods or medical response contributed to Fakir’s death. Several witnesses told local media that although Fakir appeared distressed, he was unarmed and did not pose a threat to anyone nearby. His sister, Khadija Fakir, called for a full investigation and said the family wanted answers about how he died while in police custody. Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore also expressed shock after watching the video and organised Monday’s public demonstration in support of Fakir’s family. During the rally, Fakir’s niece addressed the crowd, describing her uncle as a caring and respected member of the community. She said he deserved compassion, dignity and help rather than the outcome that followed. Although the main demonstration remained peaceful, officials said a small number of protesters later turned violent. Mayor Lepore condemned the unrest while drawing a distinction between peaceful demonstrators and those who resorted to violence. The police union defended the officers’ actions and argued that the available video showed they had acted appropriately under difficult circumstances. Union representatives said the officers immediately handed over body camera footage to investigators and insisted the use of force was justified because officers faced resistance during the incident. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a thorough investigation into Fakir’s death while strongly condemning the violence that followed. She said determining the truth about the incident was essential but stressed that attacks on law enforcement could not be justified. Fakir’s death has drawn comparisons with previous high profile cases involving deaths in police custody in Italy. Opposition politicians have criticised the government’s strong support for police, while human rights advocates say the investigation must establish whether officers followed proper procedures during the arrest. The case has intensified public discussion over policing practices and accountability across the country.

Saudi Arabia’s oil exports to Asia are facing fresh uncertainty after Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a blockade targeting Saudi ports in the Red Sea, raising fears of major disruptions to global energy supplies and higher oil prices. The impact became evident after two oil tankers carrying nearly 2.8 million barrels of Saudi crude reversed course in the Red Sea instead of continuing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The vessels had departed from the Saudi port of Yanbu and were originally bound for Asian markets. The latest development has created concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s alternative export route. For months, the kingdom relied heavily on its Red Sea pipeline network and Yanbu terminal to bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where regional tensions have significantly reduced shipping traffic. With Bab al-Mandeb now under threat, Saudi Arabia’s backup route is also facing serious challenges. Energy analysts warn that this could restrict oil exports, tighten global supplies and increase pressure on international crude prices. Asian countries are expected to suffer the greatest impact because they depend heavily on Middle Eastern oil. Around six million barrels of crude oil pass through Bab al-Mandeb every day on their way to Asian markets, with Saudi Arabia accounting for nearly two-thirds of that volume. India is considered the most vulnerable, as more than half of its crude oil imports travel through the Red Sea route. Pakistan is also among the affected countries, with around 36 percent of its crude imports passing through Bab al-Mandeb. Other major importers exposed to disruptions include the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China. To avoid conflict zones, shipping companies are evaluating a much longer route through Egypt’s Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea and around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope before heading towards Asia. Although this route bypasses both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, it comes with significant drawbacks. The journey could take more than twice as long, extending delivery times by several weeks. Longer voyages would also increase fuel consumption, insurance costs and freight charges, making crude oil more expensive for buyers. Logistical challenges further complicate the situation. Most Saudi crude from Yanbu is transported on Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), which are too large to pass through the Suez Canal when fully loaded. Operators would need to either transfer part of the cargo through Egypt’s SUMED pipeline or use smaller tankers, both of which would add time and operational costs. Energy experts believe these limitations could reduce Saudi Arabia’s export capacity even if alternative shipping routes remain available. Some refiners in Asia have already started preparing for longer supply routes, while shipping companies are adjusting vessel schedules in anticipation of prolonged disruptions. Analysts also warn that if instability continues in both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, the consequences could extend beyond shipping. Higher transportation costs, tighter crude supplies and increased demand for oil tankers could push global oil prices above the $100-per-barrel mark. Alternative supplies from countries such as Russia, the United States and Venezuela may help ease shortages, but those options are limited by production constraints, longer shipping distances and higher transportation expenses.