Bologna: forensic probe into Fakir's death during police stop

On 19 July, Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan national, died in the Pilastro district of Bologna during a police stop. The man was in Via Svevo visiting relatives when residents called the police, reporting that he was causing a disturbance in a garage. A police patrol and an ambulance from the 118 emergency service arrived at the scene. Officers tried to restrain him as he struggled; a third person helped by holding his ankles. Shortly afterwards, Fakir lost consciousness and died.

The Bologna prosecutor's office has opened an investigation for manslaughter. The two officers involved were placed under investigation, along with four Red Cross responders who arrived after the restraint. A CT scan of the body showed blood-filled lungs, a finding consistent with asphyxiation. Ninety days were granted to complete histological and toxicological tests.

New technical checks

On 3 August, carabinieri from the Ris forensic unit in Parma carried out a new inspection of the garages on Via Svevo, using drones and laser scanners to reconstruct the scene in three dimensions and recreate Fakir's final moments. Investigators are also cross-referencing videos filmed by residents with footage from surveillance cameras and the officers' bodycams.

On 10 August, a further technical examination is scheduled in Rome, assigned to the Ris: it concerns the bodycam of one of the two officers. The aim is to extract the device's data, make a forensic copy and improve the quality of the images and audio. Experts representing the parties involved will also be able to attend. An attempt is also under way to unlock Fakir's phone, from which some data had already been extracted before it locked due to a missing code; investigators are also looking for a second phone the man is said to have had with him.

Among the witnesses is a man from Eastern Europe who had helped officers hold Fakir's ankles during the stop. According to reports, he has since left the area after receiving threats.

Fakir's death triggered protests in the Pilastro district in the days after 19 July, with demonstrations and tension. The victim's family is represented by lawyer Fabio Anselmo, while the two officers are defended by lawyer Gabriele Bordoni.