Morocco has called for a full investigation into the death of Moroccan-born Abderrahim Fakir after he died during his arrest in the northern Italian city of Bologna, prompting diplomatic demands for answers, an official inquiry, and anti-police demonstrations.
The Moroccan Foreign Ministry requested the necessary explanations regarding the incident and called for responsibility to be established.
The ministry also urged Italian authorities to take appropriate legal measures following Fakir's death after he was tackled to the ground by police.
The Moroccan embassy in Italy said it was in everyone's interest for "full light be shed on this tragedy" through a rigorous, impartial, and transparent investigation.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Fakir's death as "unacceptable" and called for a comprehensive investigation.
"It is imperative that any potential responsibilities are thoroughly investigated with the utmost rigour. The truth must be pursued to the very end, without prejudice and without leniency for anyone," Meloni said.
She also condemned the violence that followed the incident, saying attacks on law enforcement and unrest in Bologna could not be justified.
Morocco's call for answers came after Fakir died on Sunday when police responded to reports of a man behaving aggressively and damaging a vehicle in Bologna's Pilastro district.
Italian prosecutors have since opened an inquiry into the case, examining possible manslaughter charges while awaiting medical examination results and further investigative findings.
The death sparked demonstrations in Bologna on Monday as protesters condemned police actions.
According to Italian police, clashes left 54 officers injured, while Italian broadcaster Sky TG24 reported that 11 protesters were also injured.
Video recorded by a resident showed Fakir calling for help while two police officers restrained him on the ground for several minutes.
Bologna prosecutors have placed six people under preliminary investigation, including two police officers and four ambulance crew members.
At a rally organized by Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore, Fakir's niece, Yossra Fakir, appealed for accountability, saying, "We are not here to ask for hatred, we are not here to ask for revenge. We are here to ask for the truth."
The incident has also fueled political criticism, with opposition lawmaker Ilaria Cucchi accusing the government of fostering a climate that contributed to the violence.