Meloni calls for full inquiry after Moroccan man dies during arrest in Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a full search for the truth after the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan man who died during an arrest in Italy.

Meloni said any possible causes must be investigated thoroughly and rigorously. She said the truth should be pursued without prejudice or leniency for anyone. She also condemned violence during a protest in Bologna over the death.

Prosecutors opened an inquiry on Monday into Fakir's death. The source says he had come to Italy at the age of five. He died after police restrained him chest-first on the ground for several minutes.

A resident's video shows Fakir 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.

Several thousand people demonstrated in Bologna on Monday, according to images from local media. Clashes broke out with law enforcement. The police headquarters said 64 officers were injured. News channel Sky TG24 reported that 11 protesters were also injured.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi called for waiting for the results of the investigation and told Il Messaggero that no one is above the law. Morocco's embassy in Italy said it was in everyone's interest for the full circumstances to be established with rigour, impartiality and transparency.