Preliminary autopsy findings on Moroccan businessman Abderrahim Fakir found blood in his lungs and signs of compression following his restraint by police in Bologna, Italian media reported.
The six-hour examination was conducted on Friday by specialists appointed by Bologna prosecutors. Complete forensic results, including toxicology and tissue analysis, could take up to 90 days, ANSA reported.
Fabio Anselmo, the lawyer representing Fakir’s family, said the initial findings supported the hypothesis that the 42-year-old died from asphyxia caused by compression during the police intervention.
He said that Fakir’s chest remained pressed against the ground for several minutes, preventing him from breathing and causing blood to enter his lungs. A scan conducted before the autopsy had already indicated compromised airways and blood in the lungs.
The lawyer for the two police officers, Gabriele Bordoni, rejected that interpretation.
Bordoni said his forensic consultant found no injuries typically associated with excessive or violent restraint, including broken ribs or bones. He said the presence of blood in the lungs did not by itself prove that police compression caused Fakir’s death.
The defence suggested that some compression could also have resulted from cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed by emergency workers. The Italian Red Cross has said its crew carried out CPR and used a defibrillator after being able to reach Fakir.
Bologna prosecutors are investigating the two officers for suspected manslaughter, a procedural step allowing them to appoint experts and participate in the autopsy.
Investigators are examining witness videos, surveillance footage and police body-camera recordings to reconstruct the restraint and determine whether the force used, Fakir’s health condition or the emergency response contributed to his death.
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