Thousands of protesters in France denounce the failings of the justice system after Lyhanna's death

Several thousand protesters gathered Monday evening in more than 160 cities across France to denounce the authorities' handling of sexual violence following the death of Lyhanna in the Gers region. The demonstrations took place outside courthouses in Auch, Marseille, La Rochelle, Saint-Brieuc, and in front of the Ministry of Justice in Paris. Participants held signs demanding "Darmanin resign," "Justice, wake up," and "Lyhanna, never again," directly implicating police and judicial failings in the case.

A national mobilization against business failures

The demonstration aimed to draw the state's attention to the shortcomings in its handling of complaints concerning child victims of violence. The protesters denounced the inaction of the justice system and highlighted the fact that the victims' voices were not heard. The Lyhanna case has crystallized a deep anger against a judicial system accused of failing to protect children in danger, despite reports and complaints filed before the tragedy.

This wave of spontaneous gatherings reflects widespread exasperation with the handling of sexual violence in France. Participants are demanding concrete changes in the functioning of the justice system and the police to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Pressure is mounting on Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and the entire judicial system to address accusations of negligence in the protection of minors.