- Violent killings shake the French city of Marseille
- Drug lords are recruiting young boys via social media to kill
- The killings are part of a rising tide of drug violence in Marseille
Violent killings shake the French city of Marseille
Two shocking killings involving teenagers have rocked the French city of Marseille, highlighting the city’s ongoing struggle with drug-related violence. Last week, a 14-year-old boy shot and killed a taxi driver in a failed revenge attempt for the brutal murder of a 15-year-old.
Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone warned that drug lords are recruiting young boys to kill without remorse. The 15-year-old’s murder, described as “unprecedented savagery,” was linked to a feud between the “DZ Mafia” and “Blacks” gangs. The teenager, hired by a gang member for €2,000, was stabbed 50 times and burned alive after being caught by rivals. His friend, also 15, escaped.
Days later, a 14-year-old was hired via social media to avenge the killing, promised €50,000. Instead, he shot taxi driver Nessim Ramdane, 36, when the driver refused to wait during the mission. The boy later claimed the shooting was accidental.
The killings are part of a rising tide of drug violence in Marseille, with 17 drug-related murders so far in 2024. Authorities have cracked down, seizing weapons, drugs, and millions in cash, but the problem persists. Prosecutors warn that young people, lured by easy drug money, are losing regard for human life.
