Death in police custody sparks outcry across Italy

A Moroccan-born man died while being restrained by Italian police in Bologna on Monday, an incident captured on video that has set off protests and calls for accountability across the country. According to the New York Times and Al Jazeera, the death prompted immediate comparisons to the death of George Floyd in the United States and sparked anger among human rights campaigners and opposition politicians. The Local Italy reported that government leaders defended the police while campaigners demanded answers.

Video footage of the final moments showed the man pleading for help as he was pinned down by officers, according to Al Jazeera. CBS News World reported that the incident has prompted a formal investigation. The Local Italy noted that human rights campaigners and Italy's opposition parties have called for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the death, while government figures have moved to defend police conduct.