Lyhanna case: Gérald Darmanin launches disciplinary proceedings after serious failings revealed

Three weeks after the murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna, the case continues to shake the highest levels of government. Appearing on TF1's 20 p.m. news program this Monday, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the opening of an administrative inquiry targeting the deputy prosecutor of Auch, following the publication of a report highlighting serious failings in the handling of several reports concerning Jérôme Barella, the main suspect.

According to the findings of investigations by the Justice Department and the Gendarmerie, a complaint filed in August 2025 by the mother of an 11-year-old girl accusing Jérôme Barella of multiple rapes was never treated as a priority. Despite the seriousness of the alleged offenses and several prior reports, no questioning of the suspect nor any coercive measures had been taken before the tragedy.

The Minister of Justice acknowledged "very significant shortcomings" and "professional misconduct" that were not due to a lack of resources but to human error. Gérald Darmanin indicated his intention to impose "sanctions commensurate with the serious failings observed" against the magistrate in question. Pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings, the magistrate will be prohibited from handling cases involving minors or conducting investigations.

This case also led the Ministry of the Interior to open a command investigation into the work of the gendarmes involved in handling the complaint. Gérald Darmanin now asserts his intention to review the procedures for handling sexual violence against minors and affirms that there will be "a before and an after Lyhanna" in the functioning of the justice system and investigative services.