Anger mounts in Italy after Moroccan man dies under police restraint while pleading for help

Anger mounts in Italy after Moroccan: Outcry Grows in Italy Following Death of Moroccan Man During Police Restraint Poinews.com – A tragic incident in

Outcry Grows in Italy Following Death of Moroccan Man During Police Restraint

Poinews.com – A tragic incident in Bologna has sparked widespread condemnation across Italy after Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan national, passed away while being held down by law enforcement officers. Fakir, who relocated to Italy alongside his family at just five years old, died on Sunday according to video evidence that has circulated extensively through Italian news outlets.

The Incident Captured on Video

Footage obtained by media shows the moment of crisis unfolding. Fakir, who reportedly battled both asthma and cardiac conditions, can be heard repeatedly shouting “aiuto, aiuto, basta” — translating to “help, help, that’s enough” — as two officers press down upon him. Ambulance personnel stand nearby watching the situation develop. Once Fakir ceases movement, the officers proceed to tie his ankles together. Only after a brief pause do they and the medical staff examine his vital signs, as the recording reveals.

“Whoever makes insulting remarks against the police shows they have no trust in our law enforcement nor in our justice system (and) should look into what happened.”

Local residents had contacted authorities due to concerns about Fakir’s unusual behavior. According to news reports, the responding officers informed ambulance staff that the man was experiencing a psychiatric episode.

Political and Public Reactions

The tragedy has drawn parallels to the death of George Floyd in America six years prior, as well as comparisons with enforcement methods employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the Trump administration.

A demonstration took place in Bologna on Monday, with attendees demanding “justice and truth for Fakir.” Political opposition voices have strongly criticized the officers’ actions.

“If the right wants to import the ICE model, this is the wrong country for it. We have democratic antibodies.”

S Senator Ilaria Cucchi, whose sibling perished while in custody back in 2009, expressed disgust at the “solidarity and thanks” extended to police following what she termed an “inhumane act.” Representing the Greens and Left alliance (AVS), Cucchi also targeted Prime Minister Meloni’s coalition, arguing that their “policies seeped in hatred and racism” have cultivated an environment conducive to violence.

Francesco Boccia, leading the center-left Democratic Party in the Senate, made his comments to the Repubblica newspaper. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini from the far-right stood by the officers, and Galeazzo Bignami, who heads the Brothers of Italy party in parliament’s lower chamber, commended their “professional conduct.”

Legal Proceedings Underway

Bologna prosecutors have initiated an investigation and secured requests for body camera recordings from the involved officers. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio confirmed that a “legal shield” mechanism has been activated for six individuals: the two police officers and four medical professionals present during the incident.

The expression “legal shield” suggests an immunity that does not exist. What is avoided is the automatic entry in the register of suspects, which has become a kind of conviction in advance.

In an interview published by Corriere della Sera, Nordio clarified that this protective measure prevents automatic inclusion in the suspect registry rather than granting full immunity. The shield applies when actions potentially constituting a crime may have been justified through self-defense or duty fulfillment. Consequently, no formal investigation with suspect registration occurs yet; instead, a preliminary verification stage takes place.

Current information indicates officers deployed pepper spray to subdue Fakir before restraining him to the ground. The man sustained injuries to his head and face, though the exact cause remains unclear. An autopsy will prove essential in determining the cause of death for the 42-year-old. Prosecutor Domenico Ambrosino and chief prosecutor Paolo Guido are currently assembling a panel of medical specialists for the examination.

The suspected charge against those involved is manslaughter.