Family and Community Pay Tribute to Mehdi Kessaci Amid Calls for Solidarity and Safety
Mehdi Kessaci's family and community mourn his death and call for unity against drug-related violence in Marseille.
- • Mehdi Kessaci, 20, was murdered in Marseille on November 13, 2025.
- • His father Ahmed calls for solidarity and security following the tragedy.
- • Brother Amine, an anti-drug trafficking activist, organized a memorial gathering.
- • Community mourns while highlighting the dangers of local narcotraffic.
Key details
The family of Mehdi Kessaci, a 20-year-old murdered in Marseille on November 13, 2025, has shared poignant testimonies highlighting the deep impact of his tragic death. Ahmed Kessaci, Mehdi's father, expressed his grief and emphasized the senselessness of losing his son. Speaking to the press, he underscored the need for community solidarity and enhanced security to prevent such tragedies.
Amine Kessaci, Mehdi's brother and an anti-drug trafficking activist, organized a gathering in Marseille to honor Mehdi's memory. He spoke about breaking the silence surrounding drug-related violence, noting that staying silent only perpetuates the harm. The event, attended by mourners laying flowers at the murder site, also drew attention to broader issues of narcotraffic that plague the community.
Marc Gastaldello, another activist, voiced concerns about Amine's safety due to his outspoken stand against powerful drug networks. Residents, deeply shaken and confused by the rising violence, remembered Mehdi as a respectful and kind young man who avoided trouble.
This collective mourning and activism highlight both the personal loss felt by the Kessaci family and the community's struggle with drug-related crime, underpinning urgent calls for solidarity and security across Marseille.
This article was translated and synthesized from French sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Date of murder
Sources disagree on the date of Mehdi Kessaci's murder
france24.com
"The father of 20-year-old Ahmed Kessaci, who was killed, spoke to the press emphasizing the tragedy of losing his son for no reason."
lemonde.fr
"In Marseille, the murder of 20-year-old Mehdi on November 13 has left the community in shock and mourning."
Why this matters: One source states that Mehdi was killed on November 13, while the other does not specify a date for the murder. This discrepancy is significant as it affects the timeline of events surrounding the community's response to his death.
Latest news
French Senate Rejects 2026 Budget Bill, Government to Invoke Article 49.3
France Sees Significant Rise in Unemployment in 2025 as Job Seekers Increase by Nearly 7%
PSG Faces UEFA Champions League Playoffs After Failing to Qualify Directly
Nouvelle Vague Dominates 51st César Awards Nominations with Ten Nods
Social and Solidarity Economy in France: Regional Growth and Gender Equality in 2026
France Faces Record Immigration Levels Amid Judiciary Racism Scandal
The top news stories in France
Delivered straight to your inbox each morning.