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🇫🇷 France /Conflict & Security

Mehdi Kessaci Assassination in Marseille: Investigators Study Mistaken Target Theory

From Le Figaro · (3d ago) French Critical tone

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Investigators are exploring the possibility that Mehdi Kessaci was mistakenly targeted in his assassination, with his brother Amine being the intended victim.
  • Six individuals have been indicted in connection with the murder, with some suspected of reconnaissance work prior to the event.
  • The investigation continues, focusing on various leads including the potential for a mistaken identity.

The investigation into the assassination of Mehdi Kessaci in Marseille has taken a significant turn, with authorities now considering the possibility of a targeted killing gone wrong. This hypothesis, which has haunted Mehdi's brother, Amine Kessaci, suggests that Mehdi may have been killed as a result of mistaken identity.

Are the assassins of Mehdi Kessaci mistaken about their target? The hypothesis, which has haunted his brother Amine since last November, is in any case 'being studied' by the judicial investigation services in charge of the case.

— Source close to the investigationConfirming that the mistaken target theory is under consideration.

This theory is being actively studied by judicial police, though it is not the sole or primary focus of the investigation. The possibility gained traction following the indictment in March of six individuals suspected of involvement in the execution. Some of these suspects are believed to have conducted reconnaissance in the days leading up to the murder, potentially identifying the wrong target.

We are working on all possible leads; this one is under study, it is not a priority or unique lead. It is one of the leads being studied.

— Source close to the investigationDescribing the status of the mistaken target hypothesis within the broader investigation.

Amine Kessaci, a prominent anti-narcotics activist and deputy mayor of Marseille, had previously been warned by police about serious threats against him. He has publicly questioned whether his brother was killed intentionally to send him a message, expressing his horror at the thought that his sibling might have been executed in his place.

I have many questions. The question that bothers me the most is whether they confused me with my brother or not. Did they do it knowingly to send me a message?

— Amine KessaciExpressing his personal anguish and suspicion regarding his brother's murder.

While Amine Kessaci has urged caution regarding the latest revelations, his words echo the deep anguish he felt immediately after his brother's death. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by specialized units focusing on organized crime, under the direction of the national anti-organized crime prosecutor's office. The case has deeply shocked France, highlighting the pervasive issue of organized crime and its violent consequences.

It's hard to hear. But it echoes what I said a few days after my little brother's assassination: 'On my hands, I see my brother's blood.'

— Amine KessaciReflecting on the potential implications of the mistaken identity theory.
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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