Moroccan Man Dies After Being Pinned to the Ground by Two Police Officers While Crying for Help

A 42-year-old Moroccan man identified as Abderrahim Fakir has died following an encounter with police officers in Bologna, Italy, sparking protests and renewed debate over the use of force by law enforcement.

According to reports, Fakir died on July 19 after being restrained on the ground by two police officers and another individual described as being in civilian clothing. Witnesses said he was heard crying out for help during the incident.

The incident has drawn comparisons on social media to the 2020 death of George Floyd in the United States because of the manner in which Fakir was restrained.

A video circulating widely online appears to show the restraint taking place, with two individuals wearing the red uniforms of emergency medical workers visible nearby.

According to Barbara Spinelli, an immigration lawyer who had been assisting Fakir with the renewal of his residence permit, the 42-year-old was a legal resident of Italy and had lived in the country since childhood.

In a statement, the Bologna Police Department said officers responded after receiving reports of a person allegedly in a violent rage.

Police further stated that officers were “assisted by citizens” while attempting to “subdue the individual” following what they described as “damage to a car,” although no further details were provided about the incident.

Fakir’s death has triggered demonstrations across parts of Italy, with protesters demanding accountability and condemning the actions of those involved in the restraint.

Speaking to The New York Times, his sister, Khadija Fakir, called for justice.

She said: “We want justice for Fakir. They killed him in cold blood. They killed my brother without pity. Without pity. I want truth for my brother.”

As of the time of this report, the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not released an official statement regarding Fakir’s death.

See video below……..

Fakir è steso a terra con la faccia contro l'asfalto, bloccato da 2 agenti. Urla per il dolore e chiede aiuto. Dopo pochi minuti l'uomo smette di gridare, i sanitari ruotano il suo corpo, è morto. Accade oggi a Bologna, nel giorni dell'anniversario della mattanza del G8 di Genova pic.twitter.com/MsDU5d9Ni1

— Gimmoriso' 🇵🇸 (@fawollo13) July 19, 2026