On Thursday, May 22, a request was made for a twenty-four-month suspended prison sentence against Sébastien Jibrayel , former deputy of the Socialist Party (PS) to the mayor of Marseille . This case arises from accusations of violence against two activists from La France Insoumise (LFI) , who were attempting to place posters in the working-class neighborhoods located in the northern parts of Marseille.
In response to these allegations, the mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan , who represents various leftist parties, decided to formally withdraw all municipal responsibilities and delegations from Jibrayel in March. This decision underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to uphold public integrity.
Sébastien Jibrayel, known for his role as a former sports assistant , along with his father, Henri Jibrayel —a former PS deputy—are facing prosecution alongside two additional individuals. The charges stem from a violent altercation that occurred on January 18 , resulting in temporary work incapacitation for two activists in LFI.
The Aftermath of the Incident
“Democracy was on the ground that day,” lamented the prosecutor, who has requested twenty-four months of probationary prison sentences against Sébastien and eighteen months against Henri. Additionally, a three-year deprivation of civil rights has been sought for both men.
During the court proceedings, video surveillance footage was presented showing dramatic scenes as LFI activists attempted to remove posters outside a school. The footage depicts a gathering of individuals around the activists, culminating in physical violence that included slaps, punches, and kicks.
Witness Testimonies and Legal Arguments
The surveillance clips reveal both Sébastien and Henri Jibrayel emerging from their vehicle and mingling with the mob before subsequently departing. The video marks a dark moment in public political engagement, depicting what was described by Me Yones Taguelmint , the lawyer for the LFI activists, as an “outburst of incredible violence.”
As the chaos unfolded, Mohammed Aboud , another accused individual, admitted to participating in the violence and explained to the jury that he had “lost control.” The prosecutor sought a two-year prison sentence, including one year on probation for Aboud.
A fourth individual, Lyece Choulak , a district advisor in the 15th and 16th districts of Marseille, saw a less severe request of fifteen months in a suspended prison sentence. The diverse range of charges reflects the complexity of the incident and the varying degrees of involvement.
Analyzing the Evidence
The video evidence irrefutably captures the violent eruption that took place that day. Me Taguelmint noted that there was a coordinated effort within the crowd, stating, “A single active individual, but there is a group that forms to give verbal and physical instructions for violence to continue.”
In contrast, the lawyer representing Sébastien Jibrayel, Me Benjamin Liautaud , firmly contended that his client did not physically engage with the protesters. He insisted, “At no time does my client take the slightest blow, at no time does my client touch the civil parties.”
This incident occurred in the electoral district of Sébastien Delogu , the deputy representing a rebellious faction, who had condemned the violence as “intolerable” through an official press release issued in January. This case reflects not only a personal dispute but also broader concerns regarding political violence and accountability in public spaces.
The deliberation on the case is slated to take place on July 3 at 8:30 a.m., and its outcome may set important precedents for how political violence and misconduct are handled in France.