Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday called for a full investigation into the death of a man during an arrest in Bologna, while condemning anti-police protests that turned violent and left dozens of officers injured.

Investigation Ongoing

Moroccan-born Abderrahim Fakir died on Sunday after police were called to the Pilastro neighbourhood on the outskirts of the northern city to deal with a man who was behaving aggressively and damaging a vehicle.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation, which has reignited debate in Italy over police use of force during arrests and prompted comparisons with past cases that resulted in years of legal proceedings and calls for reform.

According to Italian media, officers initially tried to calm Fakir before using pepper spray and restraining him while attempting to handcuff him after he reacted aggressively. Bologna police said body-camera footage from the officers involved would be made available to investigators.

Meloni also denounced violence against police during a protest in central Bologna late on Monday which, according to police union COISP, left 56 officers injured.

The demonstration turned violent when a group of protesters threw firecrackers, bottles and chairs at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon, Italian media reported.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.