Mayor of Alès Threatened with Death by 'DZ Mafia': 'Violent Action Project' Detected, Says Interior Minister

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that intelligence services uncovered an imminent violent plot targeting the mayor of Alès, Christophe Rivenq. The minister described the situation as an "act of intimidation" and confirmed that authorities are treating the criminal threats against the mayor with extreme seriousness.

Mayor Rivenq had previously received a threatening letter from a group identified as 'DZ Mafia Nouvelle Génération,' which included two 9mm bullets. Nuñez stated that he was informed by intelligence services working on drug trafficking cases that a violent action against the mayor was potentially being prepared and that its execution was imminent.

“

Yesterday evening, it was brought to my attention by the intelligence services of the Ministry of the Interior, who are working on drug trafficking cases, that a project of violent action could be in preparation against Mr. the mayor of Alès and that the realization of this action was imminent.

Following this intelligence, the minister made the decision to place the mayor under protection. Rivenq was exfiltrated from his home by the elite Raid special police unit and moved to a secure location. The Raid unit is now ensuring his safety.

Nuñez's statement highlighted the government's swift response to protect elected officials facing serious threats, particularly those linked to organized crime. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by criminal organizations and their attempts to intimidate public figures.

“

I made the decision to warn the mayor and tell him that we were going to place him under protection, exfiltrate him from his home to put him in a safe place and ensure his protection by the Raid services.