Morocco seeks answers after death of citizen in Italy

Morocco’s embassy in Italy is closely monitoring the case of Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan national who died during a police intervention in Bologna, as authorities continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Morocco’s ambassador to Italy, Youssef Balla, said the embassy is following the case with the utmost attention and extended condolences to Fakir’s family.

According to the ambassador, instructions were issued from the beginning to the competent Moroccan Consulate General to provide the family with the necessary moral support and consular assistance.

Fakir, 43, died on Sunday in Bologna’s Pilastro district after police officers physically restrained him and secured his wrists with plastic zip ties during an intervention.

Balla expressed confidence in Italy’s judicial system and said ongoing investigations would help establish complete clarity about what occurred.

He added that the Moroccan consulate would remain in constant contact with the authorities leading the investigation, stressing the importance of fully and transparently determining all the circumstances surrounding the case.

A video circulating on social media captured the intervention and sparked widespread outrage online. Many Moroccans around the world have called for justice, reporting that Fakir repeatedly pleaded for help and asked officers to stop.

Calls for truth and justice

The case has also drawn attention from local officials in Bologna.

Mayor Matteo Lepore called for efforts to establish the truth about the incident and support the victim’s family while prosecutors continue their investigation.

Speaking on Omnibus on La7, Lepore said institutions must determine exactly what happened and stand by the family during the judicial process.

Investigation continues

The incident reportedly began after a resident alerted authorities about a man behaving erratically near a parking area close to a residential building.

Medical personnel and police officers responded to the scene. Reports cited in the case indicate that officers allegedly struck Fakir with a vehicle during the intervention.

Pepper spray was also used before he was restrained. Authorities are now investigating the sequence of events that led to his death.