**Title: Rabat Demands Investigation Following Death of Moroccan National During Police Arrest in Bologna**
Morocco has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan man, who died during a police arrest in Bologna, Italy. The incident occurred on Sunday in the Pilastro neighborhood, where police were summoned due to reports of a man acting aggressively and damaging property.
According to reports, police utilized pepper spray before restraining Fakir face down in an attempt to handcuff him. A video that has surfaced in Italian media depicts Fakir pleading for help and exclaiming "that's enough" while being held down by two officers, with a civilian reportedly assisting by holding his legs. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he struggled to breathe before becoming unresponsive.
In response to the incident, Morocco's Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern and has urged Italian authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter. The ministry emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Moroccan expatriates, stating that it will closely monitor the developments of this case.
Fakir had lived in Italy since his childhood and was known to operate a small removals and cleaning business. Family members have indicated that he had a history of asthma and heart-related issues, and they are demanding justice regarding the circumstances of his death.
The incident has sparked protests in Bologna, where demonstrators gathered to express their outrage. Reports indicate that some protesters engaged in violent confrontations with police, throwing bottles, chairs, and firecrackers. In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas and water cannons, resulting in injuries to 56 officers, according to a police union.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly supported a thorough investigation into the events leading to Fakir's death, asserting that any accountability must be determined with the highest level of scrutiny. She also condemned the violence that erupted during the protests, stating that "nothing can justify violence against law enforcement."
The situation has drawn parallels to the 2020 death of George Floyd in the United States, which ignited widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice. The death of Fakir has reignited discussions about police conduct in Italy, particularly regarding allegations of racial profiling. Reports from UN experts following a 2024 mission to Italy highlighted concerns that race is often a basis for identity checks and searches, linking Blackness with criminality. A subsequent report from the Council of Europe echoed these concerns, particularly in relation to the treatment of Roma individuals and people of African descent.
Prime Minister Meloni has rejected the findings of these reports, asserting that the police force deserves respect and that officers work to protect all citizens without discrimination.
As the investigation unfolds, both the Moroccan government and the Italian authorities are under pressure to address the concerns raised by this tragic incident and to ensure accountability in law enforcement practices. The case continues to be a focal point for discussions on police conduct and racial profiling in Italy, as communities seek justice and reform in light of recent events.