Morocco and Meloni seek answers after Moroccan man dies during arrest in Italy

Morocco asked Italy for a full clarification after Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan man, died during an arrest, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for the truth to be pursued fully.

Meloni said any possible causes of Fakir's death must be investigated with the greatest rigour. She said the truth must be pursued without prejudice or leniency for anyone. She also condemned violence during a protest in Bologna over the death.

Morocco's foreign ministry said it had asked Italian authorities to fully clarify the death, determine responsibility and take appropriate legal measures. The ministry said it was following the case very closely. Morocco's embassy in Italy said it was in everyone's interest for full light to be shed on the tragedy by establishing the circumstances with rigour, impartiality and transparency.

Prosecutors opened an inquiry on Monday into Fakir's death. The source said Fakir had come to Italy at the age of five and died after police restrained him chest-first on the ground for several minutes. A video taken by a resident shows him calling for help while pressed to the ground by two police officers and watched by other first responders. The two police officers and four first responders are under investigation by the prosecutor.

A demonstration involving several thousand people took place on Monday in Bologna, according to images from local media. Clashes broke out with law enforcement. Police headquarters said 64 officers were injured, and Sky TG24 reported that 11 protesters were also injured.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi urged people to wait for the results of the investigation, telling Il Messaggero that no one is above the law.