Brother of French anti-drugs activist murdered • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts:

• Gang-related violence
• Drug trafficking
• Targeted assassination
• Retaliation/Warning
• NGO for victims of drug violence
• Police protection

Marseilles Shooting Incident

On Thursday, around 2:30 p.m., a 20-year-old man, identified as Medi Casi, was shot and killed by two individuals on a motorcycle. The incident occurred in the city center of Marseilles as the victim was parking his car in front of a pharmacy.

Witness Account

A school student who witnessed the aftermath described the scene as shocking, noting the presence of numerous police officers and a sheet on the ground. The student expressed fear and confusion, questioning the motive and location of the attack, stating, "I found it shocking. I didn't understand why him, why here? Because it's quiet here. I keep thinking that at any moment someone could shoot me just because I live here."

Victim's Background and Potential Motive

While the method of the attack suggests gang-related killings, the victim, Medi Casi, had no criminal record. His older brother, Amin Casi, is a prominent figure publicly committed to fighting drug trafficking in Marseilles, a city known for its escalating drug wars.

Prosecutor's Hypothesis

The prosecutor suspects that Medi Casi's murder may have been a warning or act of retaliation directed at Amin Casi. The prosecutor stated, "This 20-year-old man has no direct or indirect connection to narco trafficking except through his brother Amin who is indeed very involved in the fight to get someone who's committed to fighting drug trafficking. Would that cross a line? If that were the case, we could clearly say that would be at a tipping point." This suggests a potential escalation where individuals involved in fighting drug trafficking, or their close relatives, are now being targeted.

Amin Casi's Activism and Past Tragedies

Amin Casi, a member of the Green Party, has a history of personal loss connected to drug trafficking. He had already lost an older brother who was murdered in 2020, reportedly in connection with drug trafficking. Following this tragedy, Amin founded a non-governmental organization (NGO) to support victims of drug violence.

Community Reaction and Impact

The community where Amin Casi is active is in shock. A statement from the community highlighted the profound sadness, saying, "I know the fight of Amin on behalf of the victim's families. So this makes us all the more sad. Their mom is going to bury two children in four years. It's unimaginable."

Amin Casi's Previous Protection

Amin Casi had previously been under police protection, a measure that was in place even after he authored a book detailing the experiences of victims of drug trafficking in Marseilles.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The murder of Medi Casi in Marseilles appears to be a calculated act, likely intended as a message to his brother, Amin Casi, a vocal opponent of drug trafficking. This incident underscores the dangerous escalation of drug-related violence in the city, potentially extending to the families and associates of those actively combating the drug trade. The tragedy has deeply affected the community and highlights the personal toll of these ongoing conflicts, with Amin Casi now facing the unimaginable grief of losing two brothers to drug-related violence.