French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has convened top security and justice officials following mounting public anger over alleged judicial lapses in the disappearance of an 11 years old girl in southern France, a case now prompting a wider government review.
Lyhanna, known publicly only by her first name, was reported missing on May 29 after leaving her middle school in the town of Fleurance in the afternoon. Her disappearance has since triggered nationwide concern and scrutiny over how previous warnings about the suspect were handled.
The man arrested in connection with the case, the father of one of her classmates, had previously faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse involving children, raising concerns about missed opportunities for intervention
Political leaders across the spectrum, including far-right figure Jordan Bardella and Green Party leader Marine Tondelier, have pointed to the case as evidence of systemic failures within the justice system and a broader inability to adequately protect women and children from sexual violence.
Fleurance Mayor Gregory Bobbato said the community remains in deep grief, stressing the human toll behind the case. “We have a family who is mourning. We cannot forget that,” he said in an interview with BFM, adding that the situation reflects “a serious breakdown in state responsibility.”
Following Lyhanna’s disappearance, hundreds of residents joined search efforts in the area. Authorities later confirmed that a body had been recovered and was undergoing identification.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin described the case as deeply distressing, speaking both in his official capacity and as a parent. “As a minister, I am terrified, and as a father, even more so, by this despicable tragedy unfolding,” he said.
He added that the justice and interior ministries would launch a joint investigation into how earlier complaints against the suspect were handled, including an unexecuted request for a formal inquiry by a local prosecutor’s office.
The government has pledged to publish the findings and take appropriate action as public pressure intensifies over accountability and systemic reform.
Goodness Anunobi
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