Cosenza police search fatality

On 24 July 2026 a 25‑year‑old Tunisian‑Italian man, Mohamed Amin Bessioud, died after falling from his balcony during a Carabinieri drug‑search in Cosenza. Initial reports noted the seizure of hashish, his house‑arrest status and a fragile psychological condition. Prosecutors opened an investigation and ordered an autopsy, while family lawyers, migrant advocates and local activists called for transparency and a review of police conduct. Public protests began, and the victim’s mother expressed distress and threatened self‑harm.

Within days, further details emerged. A neighbour testified that Bessioud was not handcuffed at the time of the fall, contradicting early claims. The family filed a formal complaint questioning the police operation and alleging that officers allowed him to fall. Around 300 protesters, joined by the Bishop of Cosenza and local politicians, gathered outside the police headquarters demanding truth and justice. The investigation continued with witness interviews and scrutiny of the Carabinieri report.