Why Was the Second Brother of a French Anti-Drugs Campaigner Shot Dead in Marseille?

Amine Kessaci, a young French campaigner dedicated to helping victims of drug-related violence, has tragically lost his second brother to suspected gang violence in Marseille. This incident highlights the growing drug wars in the city and raises serious concerns about safety and the influence of criminal organisations in urban areas.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Amine Kessaci's brother, Mehdi, was shot dead at the age of 20 while parking his car in central Marseille, an incident believed to be tied to the ongoing violence between rival drug gangs in the area. This follows the murder of Amine's elder brother, Brahim, in 2020. The violent circumstances of both deaths underline the severity of gang-related crime in Marseille, which has seen a notable uptick in violence over recent years. Chief prosecutor Nicolas Bessone has suggested that Mehdi's murder may serve as a warning to Amine, intensifying fears about the cycle of violence that often accompanies gang rivalries.

Key takeaways

• Mehdi Kessaci, aged 20, was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Marseille.
• The Kessaci family has now lost two brothers to gang violence.
• Amine Kessaci has founded an association, Conscience, to combat drug violence and support affected families.

Timeline: how we got here

The Kessaci family's tragic journey through the violence of Marseille's drug gangs can be traced through key events:

• 2020: Brahim Kessaci is murdered, his body found in a burned-out car, highlighting the brutal methods used by gangs in Marseille.
• 2021: Amine Kessaci meets President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for improvements in life for young people in Marseille.
• 2023: Mehdi Kessaci is shot dead, raising concerns about escalating gang violence and the potential targeting of Amine.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent murder of Mehdi Kessaci adds to the rising death toll linked to drug-related violence in Marseille. Investigators are exploring the possibility that this shooting serves as a warning to Amine Kessaci, who has been vocal against gang violence.

What was already established

Amine Kessaci has been an active advocate since his brother's death in 2020, founding Conscience to assist victims and their families. The association has been involved in various initiatives aimed at reducing drug gang influence in the area.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing drug violence in Marseille has implications for public safety and community resilience, elements that resonate with urban areas in the UK facing similar challenges. The situation underscores the importance of community initiatives aimed at fostering safer environments.

Businesses and jobs

In Marseille, increasing violence can deter investment and disrupt local economies. UK businesses should take note of how crime affects operational stability and community trust.

Policy and regulation

As the UK grapples with its own drug-related issues, the response from local and national governments may be influenced by developments in cities like Marseille that experience severe gang-related violence.

Numbers that matter

• 14: The number of drug-related murders in Marseille in 2023 so far, indicating a troubling trend in gang violence.
• 2: The number of brothers from the Kessaci family killed in recent years, highlighting personal tragedies amidst broader societal issues.
• 20: The age of Mehdi Kessaci at the time of his murder, reflecting the youth often caught in the crossfire of gang disputes.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Drugs violence: Crime related to the illegal drug trade, often involving gangs competing for control over territory and distribution networks.
• Vendetta: A prolonged and bitter feud, typically involving retaliatory acts of violence.
• Gang warfare: Violent conflict between criminal organisations, often over territory or control of illegal activities.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus for law enforcement in Marseille will likely be on apprehending those responsible for Mehdi Kessaci's murder and addressing the escalating violence.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Community organisations like Conscience may expand their outreach efforts to prevent young people from being drawn into gangs, while local authorities may consider new policies to combat drug-related crime.

Signals to watch

• Trends in drug-related violence in Marseille and similar urban areas in the UK.
• Changes in local policies aimed at reducing gang influence.
• Community engagement initiatives that emerge in response to violence.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about local crime trends and community safety initiatives.
• Engage with community organisations working to combat drug violence.
• Support policy changes that aim to improve urban safety and reduce gang influence.

Don’t

• Ignore signs of drugs violence in your area; report suspicious activities to authorities.
• Assume that gang violence is a problem that only affects certain communities; it can have wider societal impacts.

Checklist

• Are you aware of local support networks for victims of crime?
• Have you participated in community safety meetings or discussions?
• Do you know how to report suspicious activities in your neighbourhood?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation regarding gang violence in Marseille remains fluid, with ongoing investigations and potential for further retaliatory violence. As details about Mehdi Kessaci's murder emerge, there may be shifts in public perception and policy responses. It is vital to approach this issue with caution, recognising both the individual tragedies and the broader societal challenges at play.

Bottom line

The tragic loss of the Kessaci brothers underscores the urgent need to address drug-related violence, not only in Marseille but in urban areas across Europe, including the UK. Continued advocacy and community engagement are critical in combating the influence of gangs and providing support for victims and their families.

FAQs

What is the association Conscience?

Conscience is an organisation founded by Amine Kessaci to help families affected by drug violence and to provide support for young people in Marseille's poor estates.

How prevalent is drug-related violence in Marseille?

Marseille has seen a significant increase in drug-related violence, with 14 murders reported in 2023 alone, reflecting a worrying trend in gang activity.

What can communities do to combat gang violence?

Communities can engage with local organisations, participate in safety initiatives, and advocate for policies that address the root causes of gang violence.