Amelia, Jennifer and Eliam. These three first names are those of the three victims of rue Maberly in Amiens. Eight days after the tragedy, these same first names were chanted several times by some 300 participants in the white march, this Saturday at 2 p.m.
A white march marked by the arrival en bloc of the family of the victims on the forecourt of the house of culture. Members of the family, dressed in white, photos and words of love in their arms, led by Christiane. It is a cry from the heart that the mother and grandmother of the victims pushed in front of anonymous people, friends and acquaintances of her daughters. “My children have been murdered, abused, brutalized with extreme force. Brutality, I say no!” she exclaims.
My daughters were my pride
After the minute of silence, the procession crossed the city center still guided by Christiane.
“They were so loved by everyone. They were beautiful girls. They were my pride and the pride of everyone. It’s the most beautiful thing except that they were taken from me for free. I say no to this violence. It’s not possible, I say stop!”. To this anger is added the strong emotion in the ranks of this long procession.
– Virginia Vandeville
She didn’t deserve this, didn’t she
A few reddened eyes are noticeable among Jennifer’s colleagues. A few tears also run down the cheeks of Amelia’s friends. “She was always in a good mood. She didn’t deserve this, didn’t she,” one of them sobs. This Saturday afternoon, the participants of this march only want to remember the beautiful moments, the freshness and the joy of living of these two young girls. “who had started from nothing and who fought to obtain a master’s degree for one, a permanent contract for the other“, specifies a relative.
“The last time we saw each other was for Eliam’s birthday a few weeks ago,” explains Samantha, one of the cousins. “It was a family meal where we laughed a lot. Eliam was celebrating his three years and he was opening all his presents”, recalls the young woman in tears. Memories, that’s what remains of the three victims. Now the family wants answers. What happened in this apartment? The investigation is continuing.
The funerals of the young victims will be held Monday at the cathedral of Amiens.