Thousands of people gathered in Châteauroux on May 4th to participate in a white march in memory of Matisse, a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed during an altercation and tragically passed away. The march visited significant places in Matisse’s life, such as his elementary school, his father’s restaurant, and the restaurant where he was training. Many wore t-shirts with otters, a reference to Matisse’s nickname given by his father, Christophe Marchais. The day was marked by closed businesses, with photos of Matisse or otters displayed on their windows, showing the strong connection the community shared with the family.
The march concluded with a balloon release and a moment of reflection where Matisse’s loved ones embraced each other. White and pink roses were laid in front of Matisse’s father’s restaurant as a tribute. The event was described as peaceful and dignified by the prefecture of Indre in a statement provided to the Agence France-Presse. However, despite Matisse’s father’s plea to avoid political exploitation, a far-right group unfurled banners outside the town hall demanding justice for Matisse, sparking a brief confrontation before they dispersed. This action was attributed to the group Animus Fortis.
Matisse lost his life following a stabbing incident during a fight in Saint-Denis, leading to the suspect being charged with murder and taken into custody, while his mother, also accused of assaulting the victim, was charged with voluntary violence against a vulnerable person. This tragic event occurred amid a surge of youth violence, including the fatal beating of 15-year-old Shemseddine in Viry-Châtillon, amidst the European election campaign. The suspects’ Afghan nationality has sparked controversy regarding the government’s immigration policy from right-wing and far-right figures.
On social media and encrypted messaging platforms, photos of the suspect, his parents, and links to their personal accounts have been widely shared, prompting concerns over their safety and privacy. The prefect of Indre assured that measures have been implemented to protect the family, given the pressures they are facing. Despite the circulation of provocative content, Matisse’s father, Christophe Marchais, urged for restraint and emphasized the family’s wish to avoid discussions about immigration and nationality. Local authorities took precautions to prevent any disturbances during the tribute, including the deployment of additional security forces and monitoring of extremist groups expected to gather in the area.
The situation escalated further as a far-right group planned a rally in Albi in solidarity with Matisse, prompting the local authorities to ban the demonstration and the FSU union to organize a counter-protest. These tensions highlight the delicate balance between honoring the memory of Matisse and preventing the exploitation of his tragic death for political gain. Matisse’s family’s call for unity and respect during this difficult time is a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy in the face of such heartbreaking events.
