Italy's Meloni calls for full inquiry into Moroccan man's death in police custody

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a thorough investigation into the death of a Moroccan man during his arrest in Bologna, while also condemning violent clashes that broke out during a protest over the incident and left dozens of police officers injured.

Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan-born man, died on Sunday (19 July) after police were called to the Pilastro district on the outskirts of the northern Italian city following reports of a man behaving aggressively and damaging a vehicle.

Writing on X, Meloni said the circumstances surrounding Fakir's death must be examined in full.

"It is essential that any responsibilities be ascertained with the utmost rigour. The truth must be pursued thoroughly, without prejudice and without leniency toward anyone."

At the same time, the Prime Minister criticised the violence that erupted during a demonstration in central Bologna on Monday evening, saying those responsible had exploited the incident rather than seeking justice.

"Those who chose to use this incident as a pretext to lay waste to the city, attack officers and spread violence ... were not seeking the truth: they were seeking confrontation."

Protest descends into violence

The demonstration followed the circulation of footage showing Fakir's final moments during the arrest.

According to Italian media, some protesters threw bottles, chairs and firecrackers at police officers, who responded with tear gas and water cannon in an effort to disperse the crowd.

Police union COISP said 56 officers were injured during the unrest.

The clashes have further heightened tensions around a case that has already prompted widespread public debate.

• Police clash with protesters over death of Moroccan businessman in Italy

Investigation under way

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into Fakir's death as authorities seek to establish exactly what happened during the arrest.

Video shared widely on social media appears to show Fakir lying face down while being restrained by two police officers. In the footage, he can be heard calling for help and saying that he could not breathe before he eventually stops moving.

Italian media reported that officers initially attempted to calm him before using pepper spray and restraining him after he allegedly became aggressive while they tried to handcuff him.

Bologna police have said body-camera footage recorded by the officers involved will be handed to investigators as part of the inquiry.

Political reaction

The case has prompted strong reactions across Italy's political spectrum.

Opposition politicians have called for full transparency and accountability if wrongdoing is found, while members of the governing coalition have urged against drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stressed that officers should be afforded the same legal protections as any other citizen while the inquiry proceeds.

"Just as every citizen has the right to the presumption of innocence, the same principle must apply to those who wear a uniform," he told Il Messaggero.

Fakir's case reignites debate over police use of force

The incident has reignited longstanding concerns in Italy over the use of force during police arrests, particularly in cases involving restraint.

Several high-profile deaths in police custody over the past two decades have led to lengthy legal proceedings, public protests and renewed calls for reforms to policing practices and accountability.

The investigation into Fakir's death is expected to examine witness testimony, medical evidence and body-camera footage to determine whether officers acted in accordance with the law.

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News Italy police violence Giorgia Meloni Abderrahim Fakir bologna Protests