Morocco has called for a thorough investigation into the death of one of its nationals during a police arrest in the northern Italian city of Bologna.
Abderrahim Fakir, who was born in Morocco, died on Sunday after officers were called to the Pilastro neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city following reports that a man was behaving aggressively and damaging a vehicle.
Morocco’s Foreign Ministry said it was deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding Fakir’s death and demanded that Italian authorities provide the necessary explanations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the ministry called for responsibility to be established and for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Fakir’s death sparked anti-police demonstrations in Bologna on Monday. The protests later descended into clashes, leaving dozens of police officers injured.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called for a full investigation into the death while condemning the violence directed at police during the subsequent unrest.
Italian authorities have not yet announced the findings of any investigation into the circumstances surrounding Fakir’s death.