Trial opens in France over 2020 murder linked to Marseille's DZ Mafia

Five men have gone on trial in Aix-en-Provence accused of the December 2020 murder of the older half-brother of anti-drug activist Amine Kessaci, along with two other men.

Prosecutors allege the killings were carried out by individuals associated with the DZ Mafia, a Marseille-based narcotics network known for extreme violence and intimidation. The trial represents a major judicial effort to dismantle the organized crime syndicate, whose rise has fueled escalating violence across southern France.

Kessaci, who established a support group for families affected by drug-related violence following the killing, continues to advocate against local narcotics trafficking as proceedings begin.

Sources: Libération.