Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin apologized on Friday to the family of 11-year-old Lyhanna, whose body was formally identified after her disappearance in the Gers region. The Keeper of the Seals acknowledged that the judicial system "failed to protect" the child and promises to draw the necessary conclusions.
"The judicial system failed to protect this little girl."
Invited to TF1's 20 PM news, Gérald Darmanin acknowledged shortcomings in the handling of the case. "In the name of justice, as minister"He apologized to Lyhanna's family and to the French people. "shocked" through this affair. The minister stated that he would draw "all the consequences" shortcomings observed.
The body found is indeed that of Lyhanna.
The prosecutor in Agen, Olivier Naboulet, confirmed that the body discovered in the Gers region is indeed that of Lyhanna. Identification was established through DNA comparison. The cause of death is not yet known; further examinations have been ordered.
A disappearance that has mobilized the Gers region.
Lyhanna disappeared on May 29th in Fleurance. The search lasted several days before a body was discovered in an agricultural silo near Puycasquier, about fifteen kilometers from where she disappeared. Investigators were directed to this site after receiving information linked to the main suspect.
A suspect already subject to several legal proceedings
The main suspect, a 41-year-old man, has been charged with kidnapping and unlawful confinement of a minor under 15 and placed in pretrial detention. Before Lyhanna's disappearance, he had already been the subject of several complaints and legal proceedings, notably for alleged acts of sexual violence against minors. He remains presumed innocent.
Old complaints at the heart of the issues
The core of the case now focuses on monitoring the reports concerning this man. Numerous reports Cases involving the rape of minors, as well as other previous proceedings, are subject to administrative review. Gérald Darmanin pointed to delays, the transfer of files between jurisdictions, and a lack of consideration for the children's testimony.
Possible sanctions
The Minister of Justice indicated that he would propose sanctions if the shortcomings were confirmed. He also promised to make the findings of the administrative report public. The meeting organized at Matignon with the relevant ministers is intended to establish responsibility for the handling of the suspect's legal proceedings.
A silent march is planned in Fleurance.
A silent march in tribute to Lyhanna is planned for Sunday at 15 p.m. in Fleurance. The criminal investigation continues, pending the forensic findings on the cause of death and upcoming judicial decisions.
