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🇫🇷 France /Crime & Justice

‘Intimidation cannot win’: Alès mayor’s anger after death threat from DZ Mafia

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • The mayor of Alès, Christophe Rivenc, received a death threat containing two 9mm bullets from the 'DZ Mafia'.
  • The threat has traumatized his wife and prompted increased police presence in the city.
  • Rivenc vowed to stand firm against intimidation and continue fighting crime and drug trafficking.

The mayor of Alès, Christophe Rivenc, has become the target of a death threat, receiving a letter containing two 9mm bullets signed by the 'DZ Mafia.' The incident has deeply affected his family, particularly his wife, who is reportedly traumatized by the explicit threat.

My wife is traumatized.

— Christophe RivencMayor of Alès, speaking about the impact of the death threat on his family.

Rivenc, known for his strong public stance against crime and drug trafficking, expressed his determination to resist intimidation. He stated, 'It is time to show that intimidation cannot win.' The mayor emphasized the need to remain resolute and take action to prevent such threats from occurring to other mayors in France. He affirmed his commitment to continuing the fight for the safety of Alès's residents and against the pervasive issue of drug trafficking.

I tell myself that we have perhaps crossed a step today in the threats. And so I think above all of my wife who is traumatized.

— Christophe RivencMayor of Alès, commenting on the severity of the threat and its personal impact.

In response to the threat, significant police reinforcements, including the CRS 84 unit, have been deployed to Alès. This rapid deployment aims to establish a strong police presence and enhance security within the city. The Alès public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the threats, violence, and acts of intimidation against an elected official, involving specialized organized crime units.

It goes very very far when it touches the private sphere and especially the family who has no responsibility.

— Christophe RivencMayor of Alès, expressing distress over the threat extending into his family life.

Alès, located in the Gard department, has not been immune to the influence of drug trafficking. While the 'DZ Mafia' organization is reportedly partly dismantled, its members remain active and have established a presence in the commune. The investigation seeks to identify the perpetrators and address the organized crime elements operating in the region.

It is time to show that intimidation cannot win. And so I tell myself that we must stand up, we must stand straight, we must act so that this kind of thing no longer happens to any of my fellow mayors in France.

— Christophe RivencMayor of Alès, vowing to resist intimidation and support other elected officials.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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