About 6,000 people marched in silence through Fleurance to mourn 11-year-old Lyhanna, whose body was found after she went missing on May 29. The prime suspect, Jerome B., 41, had faced earlier allegations of sexual offences against minors but had not been convicted; he was charged with suspected abduction and remanded in custody. The case has prompted strong criticism of judicial failures, with President Macron and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemning the handling of prior complaints and Darmanin apologising to the family. The demonstration highlighted deep local grief and demands for better protection of children.
Silent March in Fleurance After Death of 11-Year-Old Lyhanna Sparks Outcry Over Judicial Failures
Thousands took part in the march in memory of 11-year-old Lyhanna (Lionel BONAVENTURE)(Lionel BONAVENTURE/AFP/AFP)
Thousands of people joined the grieving parents of 11-year-old Lyhanna on Sunday for a silent march through the southwestern town of Fleurance after the girl's body was found last week. The death has provoked national anger over alleged lapses in the judicial handling of earlier complaints against the main suspect.
Lyhanna was reported missing on May 29 and was last seen getting into a man's car. The principal suspect, identified as Jerome B., 41, has been arrested and was previously the subject of multiple complaints alleging sexual offences against minors but had not been convicted. Authorities say he was charged with suspected abduction on Monday and remanded in custody before the child's body was discovered.
Community Reaction
In keeping with the family’s wishes, national politicians did not attend; local representatives and around 6,000 residents filled Fleurance’s streets under a blazing afternoon sun. Participants wore white and carried white flowers, marching in complete silence. A banner at the front read: 'Lyhanna. Never again! We love you, we miss you.' Her father held the banner while her mother and brother were present nearby.
President Emmanuel Macron publicly condemned what he called "unacceptable" failures in the judicial system, and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin apologised directly to Lyhanna’s family, saying he was "furious" at how prior complaints were handled. The revelations that the suspect had faced earlier accusations — including four complaints alleging rape of minors, according to local reports — intensified local outrage.
Broader Concerns
Residents described a community shaken by grief and anger. Some attendees recounted personal histories of sexual violence and appealed for better protection of children and swifter judicial action on allegations. The suspect, who lived in nearby Montestruc-sur-Gers and had previously worked in schools, has become the focus of demands for accountability and reform.
'The justice system must protect our children,' said one marcher. 'It could have been my family.'
Authorities continue to investigate the case. The march in Fleurance reflected both mourning for Lyhanna and a wider call for improved safeguarding and judicial oversight.
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