Bologna, involving two police officers and four paramedics, but for the first time there is the "criminal shield"

In Bologna, six individuals have been entered into the preliminary annotation register of the local prosecutor’s office regarding the death of Fakir Abderrahim, who died yesterday near the Pilastro in via Svevo. The group includes four ambulance personnel and two police officers from the Bolognina Pontevecchio precinct. The investigation proceeds under the charge of negligent homicide, pending further forensic assessments. Notably, other residents captured in surveillance footage from a nearby dwelling were not included in the register. The prosecutor's office has initiated the process by registering participants in the prolonged intervention using the new Model 45 bis register. This tool, introduced through a decree by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, allows individuals involved in incidents with potential justifications to participate in investigations without being formally listed as suspects. It aims to prevent automatic inclusion in the standard suspect registry, thereby avoiding the stigma associated with such status. Minister Nordio clarified that the term “penal shield” was not used, emphasizing instead the protective aspect of the measure. He explained that this system enables individuals, such as a police officer shooting in self-defense, a doctor whose patient dies, or a civilian encountering an armed intruder, to engage in investigative processes while maintaining certain defensive rights. These include the right to legal representation and participation in expert examinations or autopsies. Stefano Paoloni, Secretary General of the SAP union representing public safety workers, praised the decision by the Bologna prosecutors to utilize the Model 45 bis register. He described it as a historic shift, preventing the automatic assignment of suspects based on routine procedures. Paoloni highlighted that registration in the traditional suspect list could lead to serious career repercussions, such as professional blockages. He stressed that this does not absolve anyone of responsibility should evidence later support criminal liability, nor does it constitute an exemption from legal consequences. The new procedure represents a significant change in how law enforcement and medical professionals are treated during critical interventions. It offers a more nuanced approach, balancing accountability with protection against unjustified legal exposure. The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the complexity of the situation, requiring careful legal navigation to ensure fairness and accuracy in the judicial process. Forensic evaluations will play a crucial role in determining the exact circumstances leading to Mr. Abderrahim’s death. These assessments aim to provide a thorough understanding of the incident, which will inform the ongoing legal proceedings. The outcome of these evaluations will likely influence whether the current measures are sufficient or require further adjustments. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring that all parties involved receive appropriate consideration within the legal framework.