Marseille Rage: Justice for Mehdi 💔🔥

World News

Thousands of people gathered in Marseille on Saturday to mourn 20-year-old Mehdi Kessaci, who was killed in a shooting linked to his brother’s anti-drug activism. The tragic event sparked widespread calls for action against drug crime in the city, which has long been grappling with violence related to cocaine and cannabis dealing. Mehdi’s death is believed to be a “warning crime,” connected to his older brother, Amine Kessaci, a 22-year-old activist who has been campaigning against drug crime since his half-brother, Brahim, was murdered in a drug-related feud in 2020. Amine Kessaci is currently receiving police protection, and during a demonstration, passionately addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for justice and highlighting the daily struggle of families affected by drug crime. He criticized the perceived inaction of institutions and urged for a stronger response. The atmosphere in Marseille, France’s second-largest city, was deeply emotional as people gathered to mourn and protest against drug trafficking. Many carried white flowers and wore white shirts, a visual symbol of grief and solidarity. Anne-Marie Tagawa described the event as a moment for reflection, stating, “We are not okay with what is happening.” At the roundabout where Kessaci was killed, people laid flowers and lit candles, reflecting on the loss and the broader issue of crime. The bereaved mother, Ouassila Benhamdi, joined the demonstration, dressed entirely in white, and pleaded with the government to recognize the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the need to “stop this scourge” and protect families affected by violence. Participants suggested that disadvantaged neighborhoods were “fertile ground that has been abandoned by institutions, the State,” contributing to the conditions that allow crime to flourish. Marseille, a city struggling with drug violence and multiple deaths this year, is now implementing initiatives in 25 other towns and cities as a direct result of Mehdi Kessaci’s death.