Abderrahim Fakir dies during police intervention in Bologna as Italy becomes divided

Herz — World Desk · 22 July 2026 at 08:48 · 30s summary · 3 min read

Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan national living in Italy for over 30 years, died on July 19, 2026, at 12:53 p.m. in Bologna during a police intervention in the Pilastro district, according to Le Monde and Lost in the Jungle.

What we know

A neighbour filmed the intervention. The video shows Fakir held face-down on the ground, his hands cuffed behind his back, shouting before he stops moving.

Two paramedics present at the scene did not act for more than four minutes.

An autopsy has been ordered. The bodycam—a portable camera attached to an officer's uniform, used to record interventions—from one of the police officers involved was submitted to the Bologna prosecutor's office. A judicial investigation is underway.

Timeline

1. July 19, 2026, 12:53 p.m.
   Abderrahim Fakir dies during a police intervention in Bologna's Pilastro district. A neighbour films the scene.
2. July 19, 2026, evening
   Hundreds of people spontaneously demonstrate in Bologna. The intervention video begins circulating, sparking a wave of outrage nationwide.
3. Between July 19 and July 22, 2026
   An autopsy is ordered. The bodycam from one of the officers is submitted to the Bologna prosecutor's office. A judicial investigation is opened.
4. July 22, 2026
   The case becomes a national political issue. The debate pits the right, which backs the officers, against the left, which denounces excessive police violence.

The restraint technique at issue

The video shows a prone restraint—a police technique in which a person is held face-down on the ground, hands behind their back. This method is associated with a risk of positional asphyxiation when pressure is applied to the thorax, particularly during prolonged use.

Multiple countries and health organizations have issued warnings or restrictions on its use following documented deaths.

In Italy, bodycam deployment remains partial. The recording submitted to the prosecutor's office is a central piece of evidence for the investigation.