2024-11-25 09:01:00
The Frais-Vallon district, in Marseille, in January 2024. VALLAURI NICOLAS/MAXPPP
With the drugs that they gave to their clients during the transactions, the two young dealers slipped in an SOS, a small note scribbled: “Hello, we are sequestered by the network. Please call the police. He forces us to sell for free and beats us with bars. Please we need help (we are 15 years old). » Despite these discreet calls for help, it was not a consumer who rescued them from the clutches of the Frais-Vallon network, but the firefighters, after they had jumped from the second floor of a tower to escape to their captors.
The Bouches-du-Rhône Assize Court will judge, from Monday, November 25, six young people from Marseille for the kidnapping and violence inflicted over several days on two 16-year-old teenagers, forcibly recruited to sell drugs. Three of the accused – they are all in their twenties – also answer for rape of one of the two victims.
Both runaways, Younes and Kevin – the first names have been changed – showed up on January 21, 2022 in Frais-Vallon, a city in the northern districts of Marseille, to sell drugs. A member of the network promises them remuneration of 100 euros per day and accommodation in “a hotel with a jacuzzi”. At the end of the session, the tone changes suddenly, the two teenagers are accused of a 500 euro hole in the accounts, the first blows rain down on the deal point, at the foot of the “red tower”. In a room where they are taken, “from three, they went to a good ten and they played with us”Younes said. “We were pissing blood”reported Kevin, forced to get naked and dance in front of phones filming him for social networks.
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An anonymous tip to the police indicated that the two young boys had been forced to perform oral sex on each other, which they disputed. “I would have gone for revenge if that had been it. Now, I don’t even want revenge. The blows go away. We were the ones who made idiots of going to work in their neighborhood”explained Younes. The teenager will no longer respond to any summons from investigators or the investigating judge. He had not looked his torturers in the eyes so as not to be able to identify them. A year after the events, Younes’ father requested the withdrawal of his son’s complaint “for fear of being found and attacked again”.
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What are the main factors contributing to youth involvement in drug dealing in urban areas like Frais-Vallon?
**Interview with Dr. Isabelle Martin, Sociologist Specializing in Urban Challenges**
*Date: November 25, 2024*
*Location: Studio, Radio France*
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Martin. Thank you for joining us to discuss the alarming situation in the Frais-Vallon district of Marseille, where two teenagers were recently rescued after being forced into drug dealing. What can you tell us about the socio-economic conditions in that area that may have led to such a tragic situation?
**Dr. Martin:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. Frais-Vallon, like many neighborhoods in the northern districts of Marseille, is characterized by extreme poverty, lack of opportunities, and a pervasive criminal underworld. Many young people, feeling trapped by their circumstances, become easy targets for drug networks that exploit their desperation. This incident is particularly disturbing, as it reflects the systemic issues—failure in community support, education, and employment—which create an environment where such exploitation can thrive.
**Interviewer:** The recent case involved two teenagers who sent a plea for help while being coerced into selling drugs. How common is it for young people in such neighborhoods to find themselves in these situations?
**Dr. Martin:** Unfortunately, it’s quite common. Many adolescents in impoverished areas face immense pressure from their peers and local gangs. In some cases, they are groomed to take on roles within these networks from a very young age. This incident highlights how vulnerable teenagers can be, as they often seek belonging and financial support but end up entrapped in a dangerous lifestyle. The fact that these young boys felt compelled to send an SOS note illustrates the desperate situations they can find themselves in.
**Interviewer:** The court case is set to judge six individuals for multiple charges, including kidnapping. What does this say about the legal and societal response to such crimes in France?
**Dr. Martin:** This case underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to crime prevention. While legal actions are necessary to address the perpetrators, we must also consider why these young victims fell into such terrifying circumstances. There’s a clear need for more robust social services and community programs that can provide alternatives to youth in these areas—things like mentorship, education, and job opportunities. Only by addressing the root causes can we hope to prevent future tragedies.
**Interviewer:** What role do you think community engagement plays in improving conditions in areas like Frais-Vallon?
**Dr. Martin:** Community engagement is crucial. Local initiatives that involve residents in decision-making can lead to practical solutions tailored to their specific needs. This could include youth programs, employment initiatives, and community policing that fosters trust between law enforcement and the community. When residents feel they have a stake in their neighborhood, they’re more likely to resist criminal influences and work toward a safer environment.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like there’s a dire need for comprehensive change. What immediate steps do you think should be taken following this incident?
**Dr. Martin:** Immediate steps must include providing the victims with psychological support and protection, addressing their immediate safety needs. Additionally, there should be community outreach programs that educate young people about the dangers of drug networks. Long-term, there needs to be investment in housing, education, and employment opportunities to tackle the systemic issues that perpetuate such cycles of violence and exploitation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Martin, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. The plight of young people in Frais-Vallon is indeed a pressing concern that will require collective action.
**Dr. Martin:** Thank you for addressing this vital issue. It’s an uncomfortable topic, but one that needs our attention to ensure a safer future for all our youth.
**Interviewer:** We’ll continue to follow this story closely. Thank you to our listeners for tuning in.
