Abderrahim Fakir was a 42-year-old man born in Morocco. He died while police restrained him in Bologna, Italy.

Fakir had lived in Italy since he was five. He ran a small removals and cleaning business.

Video showed officers holding him face-down on the ground. He repeatedly called for help before going still.

Reports say Fakir got upset after a car crash. He reportedly damaged vehicles before police arrived.

Officers used pepper spray before restraining him, according to reports. His family said Fakir had asthma and heart problems.

Investigators say these health issues may relate to his death. Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation.

Six people are named in an early police file. They include two police officers and four emergency workers.

The case reportedly involves a new Italian law that offers protection to officers under investigation. People compared Fakir's death to George Floyd's death in the United States in 2020.

Others compared the tactics to those used by US immigration police under President Trump. Some also compared it to past Italian police custody deaths in 2005 and 2009.

Protests broke out in Bologna after Fakir died. Demonstrators demanded answers about his death.

Police responded to protests with teargas and water cannons. Human rights groups and opposition parties called for answers.

Bologna's mayor also called for protests demanding truth and justice. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini defended the officers.

He said they were doing their duty. Local leaders asked for calm while the investigation continues.