Tension in Marseille: Two Arrested After Explosives Thrown at Russian Consulate

An investigation opened for damage by explosive substances

On Monday, February 24, 2025, two men were arrested in Marseille after being suspected of throwing explosives at the Russian consulate in the Castellane district. The arrests, which took place later in the day during a pro-Ukraine demonstration, follow an act of violence that occurred earlier that morning.

Plastic Projectiles and Explosions

The incident took place around 7:30 AM when three 50cl plastic soda bottles were thrown into the consulate’s garden. Two of these bottles exploded, causing detonations but no injuries. Police, along with bomb disposal units, quickly responded to secure the area. As a precaution, the consulate’s staff and the Russian consul were confined inside the building, and the surrounding neighborhood was cordoned off by law enforcement.

Investigation Underway

The analysis of the residue inside the bottles is currently underway. The two suspects, aged 48 and 60, have been placed in police custody for damage by incendiary or explosive substances. The investigation has been entrusted to the Organized and Specialized Crime Division of the Marseille Prosecutor’s Office.

This act of violence was firmly condemned by the city of Marseille, which expressed its rejection of any form of violence on its social media, emphasizing the importance of peace and respect for diplomatic institutions.