Abderrahim Fakir death investigation: Cocaine and asphyxiation cited

Preliminary autopsy and toxicological results have emerged regarding the death of 43-year-old Abderrahim Fakir, who died on July 19 during a police intervention at the Pilastro hospital. Experts have ruled out cardiac and cerebral causes for the death, pointing instead to asphyxiation potentially linked to police containment measures combined with the effects of cocaine.

There is a significant legal dispute regarding the role of the drug. Defense counsel for the two police officers argues that the amount of cocaine found in the blood and tissues was in excess of the average lethal dose, suggesting prolonged use for several hours or even days prior to death. Conversely, the lawyer representing the victim's family contends that the findings support the theory of asphyxiation during the intervention.

A pool of experts, coordinated by pathologist Cristina Basso, is scheduled to meet with party consultants to discuss the final results of the histological and toxicological exams before submitting a final report to the Prosecutor's Office. Currently, the two officers and four Red Cross responders are listed in preliminary notes rather than as formal suspects.