Arrest Made After Vandalism of Memorial Stele in Marseille
In Marseille, a stele dedicated to the victims of terrorist attacks was vandalized, leading to the arrest of a 43-year-old homeless man. The incident occurred at the Saint-Charles train station, where the memorial, established in 2018, honors two young women, Laura Paumier and Mauranne Harel, who were murdered in a knife attack in 2017. The stele was found with blackened traces of fire damage, and its plaque reading 'In memory of the victims of terrorist attacks' was stolen. The police, alerted to the vandalism, quickly mobilized and utilized surveillance footage to identify the suspect, who was apprehended on Monday evening.
The police prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône condemned the act, labeling it as 'revolting, cowardly, and filthy,' especially poignant given the symbolic date of November 11, which is recognized for remembrance. The mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan, also expressed strong condemnation, emphasizing the need to restore the memorial plaque as soon as possible. An investigation into the vandalism has been launched by the Marseille public prosecutor's office, focusing on charges of 'damage by fire and theft in a group.'
Background of the Memorial and the Attack
The memorial stele was erected in memory of Laura Paumier, 22, and Mauranne Harel, 20, who were fatally attacked by Ahmed Hanachi, a 29-year-old Tunisian, on October 1, 2017. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State group, although investigators found no direct link between Hanachi and the organization. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with local officials and citizens calling for justice and respect for the memory of the victims.
