42-year-old Moroccan dies after being held face-down by police in Bologna; video sparks outrage and protests
Abderrahim Fakir, 42, cried for help while two officers pressed him to the ground in Bologna's Pilastro district. Paramedics watched without intervening; an autopsy and bodycam review are underway.
The incident
On Sunday, July 19, police were called to the Pilastro district of Bologna after reports of a man having a rage outburst and threatening neighbours. According to police, the 42-year-old Moroccan, Abderrahim Fakir, was in a psychiatric crisis. When officers arrived, Fakir allegedly kicked the patrol car. The two officers used pepper spray, handcuffed him, and forced him face-down onto the asphalt. A third person, apparently a resident, held his ankles. Fakir, who had lived in Italy since childhood and held valid residence papers, repeatedly shouted “Aiuto! Basta, basta!” (Help! Enough, enough!). Two paramedics who had been called to the scene stood by and did not intervene. After several minutes, Fakir stopped moving. The paramedics then turned him over and attempted resuscitation, but a doctor pronounced him dead at 12:53.
- Residents report a man having a rage outburst and threatening neighbours.
- Fakir allegedly kicks the patrol car; officers deploy pepper spray and handcuff him.
- Fakir is held face-down by two officers while a resident holds his ankles; he cries for help.
- Two paramedics observe but do not intervene despite Fakir's pleas.
- After several minutes, Fakir becomes motionless; paramedics turn him over and attempt resuscitation.
- A doctor declares Fakir dead at the scene.
Video evidence
A neighbour filmed the scene from a window, producing a video over five minutes long that was published by La Repubblica and widely shared online. The footage shows Fakir handcuffed and pinned to the ground, his cries growing weaker until he falls silent. The paramedics are visible watching from close range. The video has fuelled public anger and calls for accountability.
Investigation launched
The Bologna prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation. The bodycam of one of the officers has been handed over for analysis. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, including whether Fakir had any pre-existing conditions. The local health authority is also examining the conduct of the two paramedics who failed to assist. The Interior Ministry in Rome stated there would be “full transparency.”
There is nothing to hide, unrestricted cooperation with investigators.
The prosecutor has not yet decided whether to open a formal investigation against the two officers or the paramedics, or to proceed against unknown persons.
Political fault lines
The death quickly became a political flashpoint. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the right-wing Lega party, defended the officers.
The officers behaved professionally.
Green senator Ilaria Cucchi condemned the incident as an “inhuman act” and accused the government of fostering “hate and racism.” The left-wing opposition broadly criticised the police response, while Lega’s official statement said the officers had done their “duty.”
Protests and community reaction
On Sunday evening, several hundred people gathered in Bologna, a traditionally left-leaning city, chanting against the police and calling for justice. Some protesters used the phrase “assassinio di stato” (state murder). Fakir’s sister told reporters:
I will not rest until my brother is avenged. They beat and killed him.
Mayor Matteo Lepore called for a silent vigil on Monday evening. Fakir’s lawyer, Barbara Spinelli, described him as “a kind, well-educated, respectful person” and said she had tried to reassure him about his residency status. “Now I can no longer tell anyone they have nothing to fear,” she added.
