Amazement this Monday morning among travelers who take the train from Saint-Charles station in Marseille. On this Monday of commemoration, the stele which pays tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks was defaced. The main commemorative plaque has been removedshe disappeared. The French flag has been scratched. And the plastic on the top of the base was partially burned and melted.
This stele installed in 2018 on the square in front of Saint-Charles station pays tribute to the victims of attacks, in particular to two Marseille victims killed by a knife attack in 2017 claimed by the Islamic State.
Laura Paumier, 22, and Mauranne Harel, 20, two cousins, were stabbed to death in the station square by Ahmed Hanachi, a 29-year-old Tunisian, who was then shot dead by the police.
Surveillance cameras will be used by investigators
We do not yet know the circumstances of this act of vandalism. Contacted by France Bleu Provence, the Marseille prosecutor's office confirms thatan investigation is open for damage by fire and theft by damage. Surveillance cameras overlooking the scene will be used to find those responsible.
The Bouches-du-Rhône police chief went to the site and “condemns in the strongest possible terms the act of vandalism of the commemorative plaque in tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks. Authors are actively sought and will have to answer for their actions“.
Bouches-du-Rhône police headquarters
The reactions
These damages immediately sparked several outraged reactions. During the November 11 ceremonies, Benoit Payan said in shock: “Attacking our memory is an act of cowardice, a shame that I condemn with the greatest firmness.”. The mayor of Marseille announces that the city services are mobilized to replace this memorial plaque.as soon as possible“.
Martine Vassal denounces an act “revolting, cowardly and filthy! Even more so on this November 11, the symbolic day of the duty to remember“. The president of the Departmental Council adds that she hopes that “video protection images will make it possible to identify and prosecute the perpetrator(s) of this act of ransacking the memory of the victims of terrorism“.
For his part, Maxime Boudetfrom the Renaissance 13 party, also denounces “an unacceptable desecration“.
On this square, two young women, Mauranne and her cousin Laura, were stabbed to death in 2017. Another plaque pays tribute to them elsewhere on the site. One of the families said they were very shocked at the microphone of France Bleu Provence.
Justine Leblond
