Thousands took part in a silent march in southwestern France on Sunday to honor 11-year-old Lyhanna, whose suspected killing has ignited national outrage over systemic failures in protecting children. The march, held under scorching afternoon heat in the town of Fleurance, was attended by around 6,000 people, according to local authorities.
March Details and Family Participation
Dressed in white shirts and holding white flowers, participants marched in complete silence. At the front of the procession, Lyhanna’s father and other community members held a banner reading: "Lyhanna. Never again! We love you, we miss you." Her mother walked a few steps behind, accompanied by her brother.
The grieving parents had requested that no national politicians attend the march, though local representatives were present. The rally concluded with an emotional address from one of Lyhanna’s aunts, who said, "Our whole little world has collapsed. Lyhanna must be so moved to see from up there all these people gathered for her. Lyhanna, please forgive us for what you went through."
Background of the Case
Lyhanna’s body was discovered last week after she went missing on May 29 near Fleurance. She was last seen entering a man’s car. The main suspect, identified as Jerome B., 41, is the father of one of Lyhanna’s school friends. Despite four prior complaints alleging rapes of minors, he had never been convicted. This prompted President Emmanuel Macron to condemn "unacceptable" lapses in the judicial system.
Justice Minister’s Response
In an unusual move, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin apologized to Lyhanna’s family, stating he is "furious" over the judiciary’s failures. He announced on Sunday that he would order prosecutors to review all complaints concerning children—approximately 70,000 cases—by July 14. "I will not be going on holiday, and no senior magistrate will be going on holiday until I have met one by one with the public prosecutors to take stock of the situation," Darmanin told LCI TV.
Community Anger and Calls for Change
Gregory Bobbato, the mayor of Fleurance, declared, "Today, we are an angry town, an angry region, an angry country." He said Lyhanna’s death was "the latest act in a tragedy that has been unfolding for far too long" and insisted that "never again should children be prey for predators who roam with impunity."
Participants shared personal connections to the issue. Karine Camus, 41, a mother of two who wore white and carried a white rose, said, "I feel personally affected. It could have happened to my family." A victim of sexual violence herself, she urged young girls to speak out. Manola Martin, a pensioner and rape survivor, said she attended for her "daughters and granddaughters," adding, "Unfortunately, the justice system does nothing for these people."
Suspect Details and Public Outcry
Jerome B., who lived in the neighboring village of Montestruc-sur-Gers, had previously worked in schools. The sign at the entrance to his village was covered with a white sheet bearing the slogan "death penalty for paedophiles," according to an AFP photographer. He was charged on Monday, before Lyhanna’s body was found, with suspected abduction and remanded in custody.
