Lyhanna’s Death: Gérald Darmanin Rules Out Resignation, Citing a Failure Not Linked to the Ministry’s Instructions
France’s Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin faced mounting pressure on Monday as the investigation into the killing of 11-year-old Lyhanna intensified, with growing criticism over alleged failures by the judicial system and child-protection authorities. The girl, who disappeared on May 29, was found dead on June 4 in an agricultural silo in Puycasquier, in southwestern France. A white march in her memory brought together about 6,000 people, according to local authorities, as her family and supporters called for accountability and stronger protection for children.
Darmanin said he would remain in office despite the controversy, while acknowledging what he described as a “terrible failure” by the state and the justice system. He argued that the problem was not a lack of resources, but rather a failure to make decisions in this specific case. He also suggested that the Chancellery could not be blamed solely on ministerial instructions, and said sanctions against magistrates could be considered once the judicial inspection has completed its work.
The minister’s remarks followed a meeting with public prosecutors, after which he called for a “general mobilization” and asked prosecutors across France to review around 70,000 complaints involving minors before July 14. He described the situation as one of “extremely serious failures” and demanded an urgent assessment of how such cases are handled. He also raised the question of whether there could be other cases like Lyhanna’s in France, saying it was a legitimate concern.
The response from the judiciary was sharp. The Union syndicale des magistrats accused Darmanin of exerting deliberate pressure and of having already identified scapegoats before the investigation by the General Inspectorate of Justice had even begun. The group said this approach undermined due process and warned against exposing judges to public hostility before the facts are established.
Other political and public figures also weighed in. Several opposition politicians, including figures from the far right and the left, denounced what they called a state scandal, systemic irresponsibility, or an indecent communication strategy. Some argued that the tragedy reflected broader institutional failure in France’s response to sexual violence against children, while others stressed the need for individual accountability if specific faults are proven.
Attention also turned to the suspect, Jérôme Barella. BFMTV reported that he was already listed in France’s criminal records processing system before the Lyhanna case, due to earlier proceedings, including a 2017 report that was dismissed and a 2022 rape complaint that was also closed without further action. According to the same source, four additional procedures have been opened against him since his indictment for Lyhanna’s murder, bringing the total to nine known cases.
Forensic experts have not yet determined the cause of death. Additional autopsy results are expected later, but not this week. Meanwhile, public gatherings were scheduled in Paris and across France at 7 p.m. to honor Lyhanna and denounce failures in the justice system.
