Bologna death investigation: Lawyers clash over toxicology results

Toxicology results have emerged in the investigation into the death of 42-year-old Abderrahim Fakir, who died on July 19 in Bologna during a police containment operation. The findings have sparked a legal dispute regarding the cause of death.

Lawyers for the two police officers involved argue that the cocaine levels found in the blood and tissues were “in a dose higher than the average lethal amount,” suggesting prolonged and excessive use. They also claim the results exclude mechanical compression as a cause of asphyxiation.

Conversely, the lawyer for Fakir’s family maintains that cocaine was not a contributing factor. He asserts that the detected amount was only half of what is typically required to cause death independently and argues that asphyxiation remains the exclusive cause of death.

In a separate development, investigators have received a second mobile phone belonging to Fakir. Technical experts will analyze the device to gather information regarding his health conditions prior to the incident.