Marseille Deputy Mayor in Custody Over Alleged Assault on LFI Activists

Sébastien Jibrayel and his father face accusations of orchestrating violence against political opponents during a January incident.

Sébastien Jibrayel, Marseille’s deputy mayor for sports, and his father Henri Jibrayel, a former socialist MP, were detained for alleged involvement in a violent altercation with two LFI activists in January.
The activists claim they were physically attacked while posting campaign materials in Marseille's 16th arrondissement, with one alleging that Jibrayel incited the violence.
Jibrayel denies the accusations, asserting he arrived after the incident began and sought to de-escalate tensions, while accusing the activists of removing his posters.
Video evidence reportedly supports claims of Jibrayel’s aggressive behavior, and medical reports document injuries sustained by the activists, including temporary work incapacitation.
The incident highlights growing tensions between local left-wing factions ahead of Marseille's 2026 municipal elections, with LFI leaders demanding Jibrayel’s resignation and accountability from the city's administration.