Macron calls for action on drug crime after 'turning point' murder in Marseille

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.

Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer, has been released from an Algerian jail and is now back in France, according to his support committee. His release comes six days after being transferred via Germany. Sansal was arrested in November 2024 during a diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria. Upon his arrival in France, he was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

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.

France’s Justice Minister has characterized the recent killing of 20-year-old Mehdi Kessaci in Marseille as a significant warning regarding the escalating threat of narcotrafficking. Kessaci was shot while sitting in his car in the city’s 4th district, marking a violent incident that has raised concerns about public safety. He was the younger brother of activist and environmentalist Amine Kessaci. The incident highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action against drug-related violence in urban areas.

Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer, has been released from an Algerian jail and is now back in France, according to his support committee. His release comes six days after being transferred via Germany. Sansal was arrested in November 2024 amid a diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria. Upon his arrival in France, he was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, and air defense systems from France over the next decade. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the agreement as 'historic' during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron. This deal aims to bolster Ukraine's long-term security amid ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised regarding the fate of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia, highlighting the humanitarian crisis stemming from the war.