Mehdi Kessaci, the 20-year-old brother of anti-drugs advocate Amine Kessaci, was shot dead in Marseille, marking a heartbreaking continuation of violence against their family. His brother Brahim, who was involved with drugs gangs, was found murdered in 2020, his body burned in what has become a tragic signature of gang violence in the city.
While Brahim's actions led investigators to believe his murder was related to gang activities, Mehdi, who had aspirations to become a policeman, was not known to be involved in any criminal enterprises. Witnesses reported that Mehdi was shot while parking his car, indicating a targeted attack that could be a message directed at his brother Amine.
Amine, who established the Conscience association to provide support for youths in impoverished neighborhoods affected by drugs, has recently received death threats and is currently under police protection. The tragic events raise troubling questions about the levels of violence in Marseille, a city grappling with ongoing drug wars fueled by rivalry among gangs.
Local officials, including Green Party city councillors, have expressed outrage at the violence, underscoring the grief of losing two children to such senseless acts. The ongoing confrontations have resulted in numerous drug-related murders this year alone, with Marseille struggling to reclaim peace amidst these crises.
Amine’s resolve remains strong in his mission to assist families impacted by drug violence, and his campaign has gained attention, including a significant meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in 2021. The deepening crisis surrounding the Kessaci family underscores the urgent need for societal intervention to combat the pervasive drug culture infiltrating the city's youth.
While Brahim's actions led investigators to believe his murder was related to gang activities, Mehdi, who had aspirations to become a policeman, was not known to be involved in any criminal enterprises. Witnesses reported that Mehdi was shot while parking his car, indicating a targeted attack that could be a message directed at his brother Amine.
Amine, who established the Conscience association to provide support for youths in impoverished neighborhoods affected by drugs, has recently received death threats and is currently under police protection. The tragic events raise troubling questions about the levels of violence in Marseille, a city grappling with ongoing drug wars fueled by rivalry among gangs.
Local officials, including Green Party city councillors, have expressed outrage at the violence, underscoring the grief of losing two children to such senseless acts. The ongoing confrontations have resulted in numerous drug-related murders this year alone, with Marseille struggling to reclaim peace amidst these crises.
Amine’s resolve remains strong in his mission to assist families impacted by drug violence, and his campaign has gained attention, including a significant meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in 2021. The deepening crisis surrounding the Kessaci family underscores the urgent need for societal intervention to combat the pervasive drug culture infiltrating the city's youth.
