French Justice Minister warns of narcotrafficking threat after Marseille shooting

Amine Kessaci, a French anti-drugs activist, has vowed to continue his fight against drug gangs in Marseille following the violent murders of his brothers. The recent killings have intensified concerns over drug-related violence in the city, prompting Kessaci to assert that he will not be silenced.

French anti-drug activist Amine Kessaci has vowed to continue his fight against drug crime following the murder of his younger brother, Mehdi Kessaci, who was shot dead in Marseille. The incident is perceived as a warning to Amine regarding his activism.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for increased measures against drug crime following the murder of Mehdi Kessaci, the brother of an anti-narcotics activist, in Marseille. The city has been grappling with escalating drug-related violence, with numerous fatalities linked to turf wars over cocaine and cannabis. This incident highlights the urgent need for a more robust response to the ongoing drug crisis in France.

French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency cabinet meeting to intensify the fight against drug trafficking following the murder of 20-year-old Mehdi Kessaci, the brother of anti-narcotics activist Amine Kessaci, in Marseille. The city has seen a surge in violent drug-related crimes, with over a dozen fatalities linked to turf wars in 2025. The incident highlights the growing threat narcotics traffickers pose to those opposing them, including their families.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for tougher action against drug trafficking following the murder of 20-year-old Mehdi Kessaci, the brother of anti-drug activist Amine Kessaci, in Marseille. Authorities have described the killing as an intimidation tactic linked to local gangs. This incident has raised concerns about the escalating violence associated with drug crime in the region.

The recent shooting of 20-year-old Mehdi Kessaci in Marseille has been described by France’s Justice Minister as a critical warning about the escalating threat of narcotrafficking in the country. Kessaci was shot while sitting in his car in the city's 4th district, raising concerns about public safety and the influence of drug-related violence. He was the younger brother of activist Amine Kessaci, highlighting the personal impact of this violence on families and communities.

Lafarge, the French cement giant, is facing trial in France for allegedly making payments to ISIS to keep its factory in Syria operational. Eight former executives, including ex-CEO Bruno Lafont, are charged with involvement in these controversial arrangements. The scandal first came to light in 2016, leading to significant fines, lawsuits, and widespread condemnation from the public and various organizations.

A court in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for her role in a violent crackdown on student-led protests that occurred last year. The ruling was made in absentia as Hasina has fled to India. She was found guilty of crimes against humanity, marking a significant legal and political development in the country. The case has drawn international attention and raises questions about governance and human rights in Bangladesh.