Moroccan ambassador calls for restraint and unity after death of Abderrahim Fakir

Morocco’s ambassador to Rome, Youssef Balla, on Tuesday called for full clarity over the death of Moroccan national Abderrahim Fakir, with strict respect for truth, justice, and human dignity.

In a statement, Youssef Balla also urged the entire Moroccan community living in Italy to remain united, responsible, and vigilant. He called on them not to give in to provocations or attempts to exploit this painful tragedy and to express their grief, alongside their Italian friends, in a spirit of dignity and calm, while fully respecting public order.

The Moroccan diplomat expressed his deep gratitude for the many messages of solidarity, compassion, and support sent by broad segments of Italian civil society as well as numerous citizens, following the tragedy that occurred on July 19 in Bologna, in which Moroccan national Abderrahim Fakir lost his life during a law enforcement operation.

Balla also voiced regret over certain public statements and positions that anticipated the conclusions of the judicial investigation, stressing that such attitudes reflect neither the values of living together nor Italy’s image as a recognized model of integration.

The ambassador finally reaffirmed his full respect for Italy’s judicial institutions, recalling that only the judiciary has the authority to determine any possible responsibilities, whether concerning the compliance of the law enforcement operation with the regulations in force, or any possible omissions or acts committed by individuals with no authority whatsoever.