The French National Assembly voted unanimously on Thursday to extend protective measures for individuals who come forward as whistleblowers regarding narcotics trafficking, a move that defied opposition from the government. The vote occurred during a parliamentary slot dedicated to ecological issues, and took place as Amine Kessaci’s mother, Ouassila Benhamdi Kessaci, watched from the public gallery.
The proposed law, spearheaded by ecological party deputy Sandra Regol, aims to broaden the existing framework of protection for victims, witnesses, and those who cooperate with authorities to include individuals not directly involved in legal proceedings. Regol argued that the measure would “send a message to traffickers, to those who use violence, to those who kill,” by providing a safe avenue for individuals to speak out and act without fear of retribution.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez voiced opposition to the bill, asserting that the state already provides protection to individuals facing genuine threats, regardless of whether they are part of a judicial or administrative process. He cautioned that the new legislation could potentially weaken existing protective mechanisms. “Beyond the intention, which is laudable,” Nuñez stated, “the State already guarantees protection to anyone effectively threatened.”
The vote comes after a series of events highlighting the dangers faced by those who challenge the narcotics trade in France. Mehdi Kessaci, Amine’s brother, was assassinated in November 2025, an event authorities described as a likely act of intimidation linked to Amine’s anti-drug activism. Amine Kessaci himself was forced to leave a campaign event in Aix-en-Provence earlier this month due to a security alert. His mother, Ouassila Benhamdi Kessaci, is also under police protection.
Speaking after the vote, Ms. Kessaci expressed frustration with the previous lack of protection for her sons. “The first time he [Amine] received threats, it was in August, they [the police] protected Amine, they left us. We didn’t have any protection. Mehdi left like that, yet they all knew,” she said, referring to authorities’ awareness of the risks faced by her family. She also lamented the violence plaguing Marseille, stating, “They give weapons to 14-year-old children to kill, and then they are killed and burned.”
Some members of the National Assembly criticized the ecological party’s proposal as a symbolic gesture. Michaël Taverne of the Rassemblement National accused the party of attempting “to give themselves a clear conscience” with the legislation, alleging a consistent opposition to increased resources for law enforcement.
The ecological party’s parliamentary agenda for the day includes further proposals concerning the protection of drinking water and media concentration. Parliamentary sources suggest that debate on these subsequent proposals may be curtailed, potentially ending after the second or third item on the agenda.
