Italian Officers Reassigned Amid Ongoing Investigation
Recent reports from Italian media indicate that the police officers implicated in the tragic death of Moroccan migrant Abderrahim Fakir have resumed their duties, albeit in a limited capacity, as a thorough investigation unfolds. The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Bologna is actively probing the circumstances surrounding the death of the 42-year-old Moroccan national, which occurred on July 19 during a police intervention on Italo Svevo Street in the Pilastro neighborhood. This inquiry is currently focused on potential charges of manslaughter.
According to local sources, including the Bologna edition of La Repubblica, while the officers have returned to work, they have been reassigned to desk duty rather than engaging in active patrols. This decision reflects the sensitivity surrounding the case, as the officers' defense lawyer has stated that they are experiencing significant distress due to the incident.
Forensic Analysis and Autopsy Findings
A critical phase of the investigation commenced recently with experts from the Carabinieri’s Scientific Investigation Department (RIS) in Rome beginning a detailed analysis of bodycam footage from the patrol leader. This recording, which spans 40 minutes, is crucial as it documents the events leading up to the tragic incident. To maintain the integrity of this evidence, each party involved has appointed a technical consultant to oversee the data extraction process.
Preliminary results from a comprehensive six-hour autopsy have revealed alarming findings, including the presence of blood in Fakir's lungs, indicative of asphyxiation. Additionally, medical examinations showed signs of pressure on the lungs, leading the lawyer Fabio Anselmo to assert that the evidence suggests a clear case of asphyxiation caused by compression from the officers, which resulted in blood accumulation in the lungs. He further elaborated that this aligns with pre-autopsy imaging that indicates Fakir suffered an airway obstruction after being restrained against the asphalt for approximately five minutes.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
