Meloni demands full probe into Moroccan man's death during Bologna police operation

In Italy, protests have erupted in several cities following the death of an immigrant from Morocco during a police operation. In the university city of Bologna, a demonstration escalated. Participants threw Molotov cocktails at security forces.

During a police operation in Bologna, the Moroccan Abderrahim Fakir lost his life. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has now intervened in the case and demands a thorough investigation.

Following the death of a Moroccan man during a police operation in Bologna, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has demanded a complete clarification of the incidents. "The truth must be gotten to the bottom of," the right-wing head of government wrote on Tuesday on the online service X. "It is imperative that any responsibilities be determined with the utmost severity." The investigation must be conducted "without prejudice or favoritism towards anyone."

After the death of the 42-year-old Moroccan in northern Italy's Bologna, who had come to Italy at the age of five and had valid documents, investigations were initiated on Monday. According to video footage, Abderrahim Fakir was pressed face down onto the ground for minutes by two police officers who sat on him and held him down. "Help, help! Enough!" he shouted, while paramedics stood by and watched.

The Moroccan then lay motionless face down on the asphalt while the police officers handcuffed his hands and feet. After a while, paramedics turned the man onto his back and transported him away. The investigations are now directed against the two police officers and the four paramedics. An autopsy of the victim has also been ordered.

The background of the arrest was initially unclear. According to Italian media reports, the police officers involved spoke of a psychiatric crisis of the man.

Violent Protests on Monday

In Bologna, there were violent protests on Monday. Thousands of people took to the streets demanding justice for Abderrahim Fakir. During clashes with the police, 64 security force members were injured, according to police. According to broadcaster Sky TG24, eleven demonstrators were also injured. For Tuesday, there were again calls for demonstrations in various cities, including Milan, Florence, and Naples.

Activists and security forces face off during clashes in Bologna on Monday. Source: Nicola Marfisi/AGF via ZUMA Press/dpa

The case is reminiscent of the death of George Floyd in the USA, who was also pressed to the ground by police officers and died during the brutal police operation. The case was also compared to the actions of the controversial US immigration authority ICE.

Far-right Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini defended the police operation. The officers had "behaved professionally," he said on Monday. Senator Ilaria Cucchi of the Greens, however, denounced an "inhumane act" and accused the government of promoting "hatred and racism."

Fakir's sister, Khadija, made serious accusations against the police. She told the newspaper Corriere della Sera: "The police must protect us. If someone is agitated, you have to calm them down and not kill them like a dog."

AFP/nw