Moroccan Embassy pledges support to Abderrahim Fakir's family, backs Italian investigation

The Moroccan Embassy in Italy said on Monday that it has been closely monitoring, «from the very first moments and with the utmost attention and concern», the investigation into the death of Moroccan national Abderrahim Fakir in the Italian city of Bologna.

In a statement, Morocco's ambassador to Italy said the Kingdom's Consulate General with territorial jurisdiction was instructed immediately after the incident to provide Fakir's family with all necessary moral support and consular assistance in line with procedures applicable in such exceptional circumstances.

The consulate has also been tasked with maintaining continuous contact with the Italian judicial authorities leading the investigation, while fully respecting international agreements and the provisions of Italy's legal system.

The embassy stressed that «it is in everyone's interest for the full truth behind this tragedy to be established through a precise, impartial and transparent determination of all the circumstances surrounding it», reiterating its «full confidence» in the Italian judiciary.

The ambassador expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation would establish the full facts surrounding the incident and extended, on behalf of the Moroccan Embassy, his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the victim's family.

Fakir died on Sunday in Bologna after police intervened to restrain him. According to Italian authorities, two officers used pepper spray before pinning him to the ground and attempting to handcuff him. The intervention turned fatal after Fakir showed signs of breathing difficulties, sparking widespread outrage and protests in the city.

Following the incident, which was captured in a video widely shared on social media, prosecutors in Bologna opened an investigation and placed six people under investigation: the two police officers involved and four emergency medical responders who took part in the intervention.