Mehdi Kessaci, 20, the second brother of French anti-drug activist Amine Kessaci, was fatally shot in Marseille on Thursday. An elder brother of Amine Kessaci was also murdered in 2020.
Following the death of his elder brother in 2020, Amine Kessaci established the association 'Conscience.' This organization aims to assist young individuals residing in Marseille's disadvantaged neighborhoods in avoiding involvement with drug gangs.
Details of the Incident
Mehdi Kessaci was reportedly parking his vehicle in central Marseille when a motorcycle approached. A passenger on the motorcycle then discharged a 9mm pistol, resulting in Kessaci's death.
Investigation and Context
Investigators have noted that Amine Kessaci's elder brother, Brahim Kessaci, who was murdered in 2020, had known associations with drug gangs. Brahim Kessaci's body was subsequently discovered charred inside a burned-out car, a method locally termed a "barbecue" in gang-related killings.
Authorities indicate that Mehdi Kessaci, in contrast, was not known to be involved with criminal organizations and had expressed aspirations of joining the police force. Marseille chief prosecutor Nicolas Bessone stated on French radio that the hypothesis of Mehdi Kessaci's murder being a warning directed at Amine Kessaci is "absolutely not being ruled out." Bessone further remarked that if this hypothesis is confirmed, it would signify a new level of severity in such crimes, referencing historical instances where individuals were targeted due to family affiliations.