Authorities in Bologna, Italy, have opened a formal investigation into the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-born man who died Sunday while being detained by police. According to a statement from the Bologna police, officers were responding to reports of a man damaging parked cars and behaving erratically. Police stated that Fakir resisted arrest and officers used pepper spray to subdue him.
Witness videos shared on social media show two officers and a third man restraining Fakir face down on the ground after he was handcuffed. In the recordings, Fakir is heard requesting assistance and asking the officers to stop shortly before he became unresponsive. Once Fakir fell silent, officers bound his ankles, and medical personnel, who had been standing nearby, checked for vital signs.
The Bologna prosecutor's office has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Investigators are reviewing whether the restraint methods, a medical emergency, or other factors contributed to his death. The two officers involved remain on duty during the inquiry, which is standard procedure for deaths occurring during police operations.
The incident has generated contrasting responses from Italian officials. Annalisa Corrado of the opposition Democratic Party called for transparency and a review of police training regarding restraint maneuvers. Conversely, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini defended the officers, stating he expects the judiciary to clarify facts and prevent premature judgment of those who perform law enforcement duties. Fakir's family and legal counsel described him as a respectful business owner and have called for an investigation into the use of force.