President Emmanuel Macron has declared that trust in French institutions is at stake following a botched investigation into the likely murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna. The girl’s body was discovered in Fleurance after she vanished on May 29.
The primary suspect, identified as Jerome B, had previously faced formal accusations of child rape. Despite these warnings, investigations stalled, allowing him to remain free until Lyhanna’s disappearance. Macron acknowledged clear malfunctions within public services but urged calm, stating that tragedy should not be met with shouting.
Public anger has mobilized approximately 60,000 protesters nationwide, with many demanding the resignation of Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. While Darmanin apologized for the huge failure in this specific case, he has refused to step down.
Authorities have not yet released forensic results or charged Jerome B beyond abduction. However, evidence suggests systemic negligence. A mother had filed a complaint against the suspect months prior, backed by medical reports, yet police failed to question him. She reported being threatened with charges for harassment when she followed up.
Data from the independent commission CIIVISE reveals that only 7% of sexual assault complaints involving minors result in conviction. A 2022 government report highlighted severe resource constraints, noting that investigators often fail to pursue critical evidence such as phone records or digital footprints.
This case underscores a broader crisis in child protection across France. Recent scandals include the suspension of 52 school monitors in Paris and the conviction of a surgeon who abused hundreds of patients. An estimated 160,000 children suffer sexual violence annually in France, predominantly at the hands of acquaintances or family members.