The death of 42-year-old Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan migrant, at the hands of police in the northern Italian city of Bologna has ignited protests and calls for justice. The incident occurred on Sunday in the Pilastro neighborhood.

Fakir, who arrived in Italy from Morocco at age 7, ran a cleaning business and was a legal permanent resident. His sister Khadija told reporters: "They killed my brother in cold blood, I want justice."

Police said they responded to a call about a man damaging a vehicle. In 35°C (95°F) heat, officers attempted to subdue Fakir with pepper spray before restraining him on the ground and handcuffing him.

A widely circulated video shows Fakir repeatedly calling for help and struggling to breathe before going still. His family stated he had a history of asthma and heart problems and had no prior criminal record.

On Monday, a largely peaceful protest in Bologna's Piazza del Nettuno saw police deploy tear gas and water cannons, according to ANSA. Some demonstrators chanted anti-police slogans and one threw a firecracker.

Italy's two main police unions accused activists of conducting online witch hunts based on incomplete footage, claiming dozens of officers were injured in clashes.

Local authorities urged calm, stating a thorough investigation is underway. Bologna police plan to release full bodycam footage to investigators. Health authorities are also probing response times.

Mayor Matteo Lepore said "something clearly went wrong" but urged awaiting the full picture. He thanked Fakir's niece for calling for "respect, truth, and justice, not revenge."

Far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for transparency but accused online agitators of fomenting "hatred against the police."

Source: www.dw.com