Thousands Gather Under Heavy Security
Over 6,200 people gathered in Marseille on Saturday, November 22, 2025, to honor Mehdi Kessaci, a 20-year-old murdered in what authorities believe was a drug-related “warning crime.” The rally took place at the Claudie-d’Arcy roundabout in Marseille’s 4th arrondissement, where Kessaci was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle on November 13.
Family’s Heartbreaking Appeal
Amine Kessaci, the victim’s brother and a prominent anti-drug activist who now lives under police protection, arrived to applause from the crowd. The victim’s father, Ahmed Kessaci, told reporters, “When someone kills your 20-year-old son for nothing, it’s a tragedy,” calling for solidarity and security for all.
Ouassila Benhamdi, who lost both her sons to drug violence—Mehdi and Brahim, killed five years earlier—declared, “This must stop. No mother wants to see her children die before her.”
Political Unity Against Drug Trafficking
The event drew politicians from across the spectrum, many wearing white and their official sashes as requested by the family. Marseille’s left-wing mayor Benoît Payan urged courage, stating, “Fear cannot win. We must resist and fight those who kill for money.”
While numerous political figures attended, no government members were present. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon canceled her trip after her flight from Paris was called off but expressed solidarity with the family and attendees.
Heavy Police Presence and Public Sentiment
Authorities deployed significant security measures, blocking streets with CRS trucks and warning of major traffic disruptions. One attendee, Nathalie Greppo-Chaignion, traveled from the Var region, calling her presence “a civic duty because a child of the nation was hit. Drugs kill. We’re fighting forces much stronger than us.”
Organizers noted that fear kept some away, with one distributing white T-shirts and lamenting, “Many of my friends aren’t coming—they’re afraid, unfortunately.”
Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Action
The investigation continues into the shooting, viewed as a message to Amine Kessaci’s anti-drug activism. Since his brother’s death, Amine has repeatedly appeared in media, urging thousands to “wake up” to the scourge of drug trafficking.
The rally concluded with chants of “Justice for Mehdi” and a moment of silence at the site of his murder.
