Thousands Flock to Marseille to Mourn Young Anti-Drug Activist Murdered in Brutal Gangland Slay
A sea of white filled the streets of Marseille on Saturday as thousands gathered to pay their respects to Mehdi Kessaci, a 20-year-old anti-drug activist brutally murdered by a gunman in his parked car last week. The young man's brother, Amine, who is also an anti-drug activist, was present at the gathering and had previously been under police protection due to threats.
The city has been gripped by violence over the past year, with more than a dozen people killed in turf wars and other disputes linked to cocaine and cannabis dealing. The murder of Mehdi Kessaci has sparked outrage across France, with politicians from all sides calling for action against drug crime.
Amine Kessaci, who had thrown himself into campaigning after his half-brother Brahim was murdered in a similar gangland slay just two years ago, told the crowd: "I demand justice for Mehdi. I demand justice for Brahim, my other murdered brother. I demand justice for all the victims. I demand safety for my family." His words were met with applause as he also urged authorities to take action against the root causes of the problem.
Former lawmaker René Tronche has even called for Amine Kessaci to be awarded France's highest order of merit, the Legion of Honor, in recognition of his bravery. However, Amine has rejected this offer, instead calling on "the mothers of the neighbourhoods hit by drug crime" who are doing crucial work in their communities to receive a similar honor.
Mayor Benoit Payan called for unity and urged the public to resist the forces of violence. He said: "We must not let Marseille be labeled as a 'narco-city'. We have to fight back, wage war against those who kill for money."
The gathering was attended by politicians from all sides, activists, and many ordinary citizens who are fed up with the violence in their city. The atmosphere was somber but also defiant, as people sought justice for Mehdi Kessaci and a safer future for themselves and their families.
As one of the mourners, 72-year-old activist Anne-Marie Tagawa, put it: "For us to say we are not okay with what is happening."
A sea of white filled the streets of Marseille on Saturday as thousands gathered to pay their respects to Mehdi Kessaci, a 20-year-old anti-drug activist brutally murdered by a gunman in his parked car last week. The young man's brother, Amine, who is also an anti-drug activist, was present at the gathering and had previously been under police protection due to threats.
The city has been gripped by violence over the past year, with more than a dozen people killed in turf wars and other disputes linked to cocaine and cannabis dealing. The murder of Mehdi Kessaci has sparked outrage across France, with politicians from all sides calling for action against drug crime.
Amine Kessaci, who had thrown himself into campaigning after his half-brother Brahim was murdered in a similar gangland slay just two years ago, told the crowd: "I demand justice for Mehdi. I demand justice for Brahim, my other murdered brother. I demand justice for all the victims. I demand safety for my family." His words were met with applause as he also urged authorities to take action against the root causes of the problem.
Former lawmaker René Tronche has even called for Amine Kessaci to be awarded France's highest order of merit, the Legion of Honor, in recognition of his bravery. However, Amine has rejected this offer, instead calling on "the mothers of the neighbourhoods hit by drug crime" who are doing crucial work in their communities to receive a similar honor.
Mayor Benoit Payan called for unity and urged the public to resist the forces of violence. He said: "We must not let Marseille be labeled as a 'narco-city'. We have to fight back, wage war against those who kill for money."
The gathering was attended by politicians from all sides, activists, and many ordinary citizens who are fed up with the violence in their city. The atmosphere was somber but also defiant, as people sought justice for Mehdi Kessaci and a safer future for themselves and their families.
As one of the mourners, 72-year-old activist Anne-Marie Tagawa, put it: "For us to say we are not okay with what is happening."
. Thousands of people showing up in Marseille for Mehdi's funeral is a testament to how heartbreaking his murder is 
. It's crazy that France has been dealing with this gangland violence for years now and it just seems like it's getting worse 
. I mean, who wants to live in a city where you're walking down the street and someone might shoot you over a turf war? 
. It takes courage to demand justice for your brother and all those other victims 
. And it's cool that he's not letting politics get in the way - I think we can all agree that something needs to change in Marseille 
.
. That takes a lot of heart and humility from someone so young 
.
It's not just about Mehdi or Brahim, but also about the many innocent people who get caught in the crossfire.
We need to involve the community, support the activists who are doing great work, and ensure that everyone has access to resources and services that can help them get out of this cycle.
. I hope it's a turning point for Marseille, and we can start to rebuild a safer, more peaceful community. We owe it to Mehdi and his family, and to the city itself 
, I mean, have you ever noticed how they can be so... fluffy? 
Anyway, back to Marseille... I've been meaning to try that new bakery on Rue des Catalans, have you tried their pastries? 
I heard they're out of this world! On a more serious note, it's sad that violence has taken over the city like this. You'd think that with all the politicians and activists calling for change, we'd see some progress soon... but fingers crossed for Marseille, and for all cities struggling with gangland violence 
my heart goes out to amine and his family 