Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has ordered a full investigation into the death of a Moroccan-born man during a police arrest in Bologna, as violent protests erupted following the incident.

Abderrahim Fakir died on Sunday after officers responded to reports of a man behaving aggressively and damaging a vehicle in the city’s Pilastro district, according to africanews.com.

A widely shared video shows Fakir pinned face down by officers, repeatedly saying he could not breathe before becoming motionless. Prosecutors have launched an investigation, with police confirming that body-camera footage will be handed over to investigators.

The incident sparked protests in central Bologna, where demonstrations turned violent. Police say 56 officers were injured after protesters threw bottles, chairs and firecrackers, prompting officers to respond with tear gas and water cannon.

Meloni said the truth must be established ‘without prejudice and without leniency,’ but also accused those behind the violence of exploiting the tragedy to provoke confrontation.

The case has reignited debates about police conduct and the treatment of migrants in Italy. Fakir’s family and community leaders have called for justice and transparency.

The government’s response underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and addressing allegations of police brutality, a recurring issue in many European countries.