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

Published Jul 21, 02:30 PM UTC

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a complete and impartial investigation into the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan man who died during a police operation in Bologna. Video footage shows Fakir being pressed face down on the ground by two police officers for several minutes while paramedics stood by. He shouted for help before becoming motionless. The incident has sparked violent protests in Bologna and other Italian cities, with demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails and clashing with police, resulting in dozens of injuries. The two officers and four paramedics are under investigation, and an autopsy has been ordered. Far-right Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini defended the police, while opposition figures condemned the act as inhumane. Fakir's sister accused the police of killing him 'like a dog.' The case has drawn comparisons to the death of George Floyd in the United States.

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