Tribute to Yanis: A Community Comes Together in Poitiers
On Saturday afternoon, nearly a thousand people gathered in Poitiers to pay tribute to Yanis, a 15-year-old teenager killed in a tragic shooting on October 31. The event took place at Place de Coïmbra, where Yanis was shot during a Halloween party, leaving him with a fatal injury and injuring four of his friends. His funeral was held at the Grand Mosque of Poitiers the day before the tribute.
Yanis was remembered as a kind and studious individual, beloved by his family and friends. His uncle, Youssef, spoke emotionally at the gathering, highlighting the senselessness of the tragedy. “He was a golden boy... No one deserves to be shot in the head in these circumstances,” he stated, urging the community to “reestablish the truth” about Yanis's character. The crowd's sorrow was palpable, with flowers, candles, and stuffed animals placed in front of the kebab restaurant where the shooting occurred.
The alleged shooter, Issachar P., 25, has been charged with murder and attempted murder, and is currently in pre-trial detention. He is reported to have a history of drug trafficking and violence, raising concerns about the safety and reputation of the neighborhood.
Community Response and Calls for Justice
The tribute also served as a platform for the community to voice their frustration over the portrayal of their neighborhood following the incident. Residents expressed their desire for an apology from Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who had inaccurately linked the shooting to gang violence, stating it was a “fight between rival gangs.” This statement angered many, as they felt it misrepresented the community and the tragic loss of a young life.
Wassim, a local resident, noted, “We experienced two tragedies that evening: the loss of a child and the assimilation of our young people to narco-gangs.” The sentiment was echoed by others who emphasized the need to reject stereotypes and defend the integrity of their neighborhood. As the community mourns Yanis, they also stand united against the stigma that has emerged in the aftermath of this violence.
