Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Marseille, France, on Saturday to protest drug trafficking and honor Mehdi Kessaci, a 20-year-old man whose murder last week has been linked to organized crime. The killing, described by authorities as a premeditated act by drug gangs to intimidate Mehdi’s older brother, Amine Kessaci, a prominent anti-drug activist, has sparked nationwide outrage. An estimated 6,000 people, many dressed in white, marched under the banner “Justice for Mehdi,” observing a minute of silence and raising their hands in a symbolic rejection of drug-related violence. Politicians from across the spectrum joined the rally, which was mirrored in approximately 20 other cities across France. Amine Kessaci, 22, who has faced threats and is under police protection, organized the march to denounce drug trafficking and pay tribute to his brother. Mehdi, who aspired to become a police officer, had no involvement in drug-related activities, according to Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone. This tragedy marks the second time Amine has lost a brother to alleged drug violence, following the death of Brahim in 2020, which inspired him to found the association Conscience to support families affected by gang violence. Marseille, a long-standing hub for drug trade, has seen escalating violence, with 367 cases of murder or attempted murder linked to drug trafficking in 2024 alone. French authorities have intensified efforts to combat the crisis, including a new anti-drug law and a government campaign to raise awareness about the connection between recreational drug use and gang violence. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez noted that these measures have reduced homicides in Marseille from 49 in 2023 to 24 in 2024, though Mehdi’s killing underscores the growing brutality of drug gangs.
Thousands march in Marseille to denounce drug violence after killing of activist’s brother
