New Videos Emerge in the Death of Abderrahim Fakir: Investigations Underway

Recent footage released by La7 and the regional Tg of Rai from Emilia-Romagna sheds light on the circumstances leading to the death of Abderrahim Fakir in Bologna on July 19. The videos, recorded by local residents, depict the moments before his death while he was being restrained by two police officers alongside emergency service personnel. According to the police report, officers were called to the Pilastro neighborhood after neighbors reported someone in a state of agitation. The first video reveals Fakir lying barefoot on the ground, appearing confused and distressed. An officer can be heard urging him to calm down, which surprisingly leads to a momentary silence from Fakir. It's important to note that the La7 footage reiterates much of what was previously reported, including graphic scenes from an earlier released video showing Fakir face down on the ground, restrained by two police officers and a civilian. His cries for help are haunting, lasting for over two minutes until he ultimately becomes still. Fakir’s death occurred at approximately noon, in the inner courtyard of a condominium located at the junction of Via Italo Svevo and Via Alfredo Panzini. Witnesses reported that he allegedly damaged a parked car before police intervention. The officers arrived around 12:15 PM, followed by the 118 emergency service approximately 15 minutes later. Reports from the scene indicate that Fakir's family claimed that the officers used pepper spray on him, even spraying it into his mouth, before they proceeded to restrain and sedate him. Among the ongoing investigations, the Bologna prosecutor's office has initiated a probe for involuntary manslaughter, currently involving the two police officers involved and four healthcare workers who were present. Remarkably, these individuals are not formally classified as suspects due to a government regulation that allows individuals to be recorded in a special register when they act under justifying circumstances during investigations. Despite the alarming events, there remains much uncertainty surrounding Fakir’s health prior to the incident. Some acquaintances indicated he had a history of heart conditions and asthma, although these claims await official confirmation pending the autopsy results. As the investigation continues and more evidence unfolds, the community remains grief-stricken and troubled by the events that transpired in Pilastro, not just marking it as a local issue but as a significant spotlight on police conduct and emergencies. Further reporting and judicial inquiries will be critical in addressing the complexities of this incident and its implications for community safety and police accountability. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2