Amine Kessaci under police protection: Drug trafficking puts pressure on France's local politics

Marseille - 22 July 2026: Marseille deputy mayor Amine Kessaci, who is under strict police protection, says he considers himself a particularly vulnerable target of organised drug trafficking. His statements are receiving renewed attention after Christophe Rivenq, the mayor of Alès in the Gard department, had to be removed from his home during the night of 20 to 21 July. The reason was renewed threats attributed to the criminal network known as the DZ Mafia.On 16 July, Rivenq had already received two nine-millimetre cartridges and threats at his home. Intimidating ...