During the opening session of the Plenary Session in Strasbourg, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola honoured Amine Kessaci and his courage for his fight against organised drugs trafficking in France.
I also want to take this opportunity to honour Amine Kessaci, a remarkable and courageous young man who is risking his life to fight organised drugs trafficking in France. Earlier this month, Amine’s younger brother Mehdi was murdered by drugs gangs in his hometown of Marseille — the second of his brothers to be killed because of his work. This kind of violence has no place in our Union. And Europeans are making their voices heard: last Saturday, thousands of people across France came together in support of Amine and his mission against drug trafficking. I know several colleagues here today were present, and I thank them for their efforts. Despite the unspeakable tragedies he has suffered, Amine continues to answer intimidation with action. Telling the world: “I speak because I know that silence is the refuge of our enemies.” As Europe’s House of Democracy, this Parliament stands with Amine in his fight against organised crime, just as we stand with all of France in mourning Mehdi’s murder. So dear colleagues, I ask you all to join me in observing a moment of silence.