Why Abderrahim Fakir’s death reignited Italy’s police accountability debate | News
Bologna, Italy — A video that captures the final moments of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan man who resided in Bologna for over 30 years, has emerged following his death on Sunday, July 19. The footage, lasting six minutes and 56 seconds, was recorded shortly after 12:30 PM local time from a nearby apartment balcony. It depicts two police officers and a civilian restraining Fakir, who can be heard calling for help while four Italian Red Cross volunteers observe nearby.
The recording shows Fakir pleading for assistance for more than four minutes before his cries cease. During the encounter, his ankles were secured with black plastic zip ties, and it was only after the restraints were removed that paramedics realized he had lost consciousness.
Fabio Anselmo, the attorney representing Fakir’s family, urged the public to scrutinize the video during a press conference on July 21 at the Italian Senate. The conference, led by Senator Ilaria Cucchi, is part of a broader discourse surrounding police accountability in Italy. Cucchi’s brother, Stefano, died in police custody in 2009, a case that has since symbolized the ongoing challenges related to police conduct.
“When the officers stood up, Fakir may still have been alive, yet no attempt was made to assist him,” Anselmo stated. “No one removed the restraints.” He also referenced a 2026 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which found that Italy had violated a provision of the European Convention on Human Rights in the context of police restraint practices.
According to Bologna police, officers responded to reports of an individual behaving violently and contended that emergency services were promptly contacted. The authorities asserted that Fakir died after “restraint procedures” were enacted in the presence of medical personnel.
A post-mortem examination has been ordered by prosecutors, while Bologna’s local health authority has launched an internal investigation into the incident. Following the video’s circulation on social media, a crowd gathered at the site of Fakir’s death. His sister, visibly distraught, urged reporters to remember her brother as a father and a good man, imploring for justice without a desire for revenge.
Fakir’s friends and advocates indicated that he faced significant financial difficulties in the months leading up to his death. Barbara Spinelli, who had assisted him with immigration matters, highlighted his struggles in managing a small logistics business that fell into debt due to unpaid client invoices.
Amid Italy’s evolving migration policies, including the 2024 European Union Pact on Migration and Asylum, Fakir expressed anxiety about the potential for deportation, despite having no legal grounds for such action according to Spinelli’s reassurances.
The evening following Fakir’s death, Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore organized a solidarity rally in Piazza Maggiore, which attracted thousands, including union members and civil rights advocates. While initially a peaceful demonstration, the event escalated into violence when some attendees confronted riot police, resulting in clashes. Protesters reportedly threw items and vandalized property, while police responded with baton charges, tear gas, and water cannon.
In the aftermath, several demonstrators alleged excessive use of force by police. One participant, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted being assaulted by officers despite complying with their orders.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, insisting Fakir’s death must be thoroughly investigated. Opposition parties are demanding Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi provide an account of the circumstances surrounding the incident and release any associated body-camera footage.
The investigation into Fakir’s death is the first conducted under Italy’s new Article 45-bis procedure, enacted by the current government, which critics argue could hinder accountability for police officers involved in alleged misconduct.
Anselmo criticized the reform as detrimental to the rule of law, asserting it was designed to appease public sentiment rather than enhance legal protections.
