Hundreds Gather in Marseille for Tribute to Hichem Miraoui, Victim of Racist Attack
Emotions Run High as Family and Supporters Call for Justice Following Tragic Incident
On June 8, a march in memory of Hichem Miraoui, a 46-year-old Tunisian man who was killed in a racially motivated attack, drew significant participation in Marseille, with police estimating the crowd at around 450.
Miraoui was allegedly attacked by his neighbor, identified as Christophe B., 53. The event was marked by grief and outrage, as family members and supporters expressed their sorrow and called for an end to racism.
The march commenced at the Porte d’Aix and was organized with the backing of various collectives, associations, and unions including Vigilance et initiatives syndicales antifasciste 13, FSU 13, Solidaires 13, and the Ligue des droits de l’homme Marseille.
Attendees carried banners proclaiming 'Racism has killed again' and wore white T-shirts demanding 'Justice for Hichem.'
Among the demonstrators were local politicians such as Sébastien Delogu and Manuel Bompard from the La France Insoumise party, along with numerous individuals from different backgrounds expressing their solidarity.
One participant, Redouane, a 38-year-old Franco-Algerian who has lived in France since 2003, remarked on the need to address the societal issues surrounding racism, stating, 'We do not kill someone because they are Arab.'
Family members of Miraoui shared personal reflections during the march, with Naïma, 43, describing him as 'a boy full of life, smiling, peaceful, and kind to others.' She emphasized the multicultural nature of their family and lamented the perception of diversity in society.
The procession, conducted in silence, proceeded towards the Vieux-Port, ultimately gathering at the ombrière where a minute of silence was observed in memory of Miraoui.
Following this solemn moment, participants chanted for justice, repeating 'Justice for Hichem.'
The family’s lawyer, Maître Sefen Guez Guez, addressed the media amidst chants from the crowd demanding 'French media, we want the truth' and 'Retailleau assassin!' Guez Guez criticized the political discourse that he suggested may have contributed to the atmosphere of hate.
He stated, 'It is up to everyone to draw all responsibilities, including some media that foster a climate of racism that today kills.
France does not recognize itself in this hate crime.
Blood has been shed, and more will be spilled if we do not awaken to this challenge that affects our homeland.'
Miraoui was allegedly attacked by his neighbor, identified as Christophe B., 53. The event was marked by grief and outrage, as family members and supporters expressed their sorrow and called for an end to racism.
The march commenced at the Porte d’Aix and was organized with the backing of various collectives, associations, and unions including Vigilance et initiatives syndicales antifasciste 13, FSU 13, Solidaires 13, and the Ligue des droits de l’homme Marseille.
Attendees carried banners proclaiming 'Racism has killed again' and wore white T-shirts demanding 'Justice for Hichem.'
Among the demonstrators were local politicians such as Sébastien Delogu and Manuel Bompard from the La France Insoumise party, along with numerous individuals from different backgrounds expressing their solidarity.
One participant, Redouane, a 38-year-old Franco-Algerian who has lived in France since 2003, remarked on the need to address the societal issues surrounding racism, stating, 'We do not kill someone because they are Arab.'
Family members of Miraoui shared personal reflections during the march, with Naïma, 43, describing him as 'a boy full of life, smiling, peaceful, and kind to others.' She emphasized the multicultural nature of their family and lamented the perception of diversity in society.
The procession, conducted in silence, proceeded towards the Vieux-Port, ultimately gathering at the ombrière where a minute of silence was observed in memory of Miraoui.
Following this solemn moment, participants chanted for justice, repeating 'Justice for Hichem.'
The family’s lawyer, Maître Sefen Guez Guez, addressed the media amidst chants from the crowd demanding 'French media, we want the truth' and 'Retailleau assassin!' Guez Guez criticized the political discourse that he suggested may have contributed to the atmosphere of hate.
He stated, 'It is up to everyone to draw all responsibilities, including some media that foster a climate of racism that today kills.
France does not recognize itself in this hate crime.
Blood has been shed, and more will be spilled if we do not awaken to this challenge that affects our homeland.'
