Second March in Memory of Hichem Miraoui Organized in Marseille Amidst Rising Tensions Over Racist Crime
A white march is planned in Marseille as another is set to take place in Puget-sur-Argens following the murder of Tunisian national Hichem Miraoui, which authorities classify as a racially motivated crime.
In response to the murder of Hichem Miraoui, a 46-year-old Tunisian man killed in Puget-sur-Argens on May 31, 2025, two marches have been organized to honor his memory and address issues of racism.
A white march is scheduled for June 8 at 3 p.m. in the small town of Puget-sur-Argens, where Miraoui was shot by his neighbor, who had previously posted videos containing racist content on social media.
In addition, an inclusive and popular gathering in solidarity against hatred is set to take place in Marseille on the same day, starting at 10 a.m., departing from the Porte d'Aix and moving towards the Vieux-Port.
Miraoui’s family has described him as a victim of a ‘terroristic and racist crime’ stemming from the hatred and ignorance prevalent in society.
They have explicitly refused any political appropriation of the crime, urging individuals of all backgrounds to join the march to fight against hatred, racism, and extremist fanaticism.
The murder drew immediate condemnation, with the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, labeling it a ‘racist crime’.
Retailleau stated that the violence emanated from ‘the hate-filled atmosphere’ that he believes to be fostered within the country.
The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Christophe B., was reportedly apprehended by the GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group) and later admitted to committing the act on social media.
This incident has reignited discussions regarding racism in France, particularly anti-Muslim sentiment.
Politicians, including Olivier Faure, the leader of the Socialist Party, have criticized the current administration, accusing it of perpetuating an environment of racial hostility.
Retailleau responded to these accusations, labeling them as ‘lamentable’ and maintaining that his stance against Islamism does not equate to endorsing racial discrimination.
The recent events have brought various groups and individuals together, advocating for solidarity against racism while confronting the broader socio-political implications of the act.
As the community prepares for the upcoming marches, there is a heightened awareness of the need for dialogue about racism and violence in France.
A white march is scheduled for June 8 at 3 p.m. in the small town of Puget-sur-Argens, where Miraoui was shot by his neighbor, who had previously posted videos containing racist content on social media.
In addition, an inclusive and popular gathering in solidarity against hatred is set to take place in Marseille on the same day, starting at 10 a.m., departing from the Porte d'Aix and moving towards the Vieux-Port.
Miraoui’s family has described him as a victim of a ‘terroristic and racist crime’ stemming from the hatred and ignorance prevalent in society.
They have explicitly refused any political appropriation of the crime, urging individuals of all backgrounds to join the march to fight against hatred, racism, and extremist fanaticism.
The murder drew immediate condemnation, with the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, labeling it a ‘racist crime’.
Retailleau stated that the violence emanated from ‘the hate-filled atmosphere’ that he believes to be fostered within the country.
The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Christophe B., was reportedly apprehended by the GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group) and later admitted to committing the act on social media.
This incident has reignited discussions regarding racism in France, particularly anti-Muslim sentiment.
Politicians, including Olivier Faure, the leader of the Socialist Party, have criticized the current administration, accusing it of perpetuating an environment of racial hostility.
Retailleau responded to these accusations, labeling them as ‘lamentable’ and maintaining that his stance against Islamism does not equate to endorsing racial discrimination.
The recent events have brought various groups and individuals together, advocating for solidarity against racism while confronting the broader socio-political implications of the act.
As the community prepares for the upcoming marches, there is a heightened awareness of the need for dialogue about racism and violence in France.