White March in Fleurance: Commemoration of Lyhanna

Fleurance – 07.06.2026: Today, several thousand people gathered in Fleurance, a small town in the Gers department, for a memorial event honoring 11-year-old Lyhanna. Her lifeless body was discovered on June 4th in an abandoned agricultural building near Puycasquier. The exact cause of death is still under investigation. The deceased’s family had initiated the event and requested that no political representatives be present, except for the mayors who had supported them since the beginning of the investigation. Participants were asked to remember with dignity and solidarity.

The memorial began at 3 p.m. at Square de Verdun, near Collège Hubert-Reeves, where Lyhanna attended school. The Fleurance city administration expected about 5,000 attendees. In the days leading up to the event, the town was marked by an atmosphere of mourning and solidarity. White roses were placed in front of shops and public squares, and many residents wore white T-shirts or carried portraits of Lyhanna.

The discovery of Lyhanna’s body caused consternation in the region and beyond. The investigation focuses on a 41-year-old man who lived near Lyhanna and had previously been involved in cases of sexual abuse of minors. He was charged on June 1st with kidnapping and unlawful confinement of a minor under 15 years old and was taken into pretrial detention.

Lyhanna’s family organized the memorial and emphasized that they did not want any political exploitation of the event. They thanked the mayors who had supported them from the start of the investigation and invited them to participate in the event. The Fleurance city administration asked residents to commemorate with dignity and unity and noted that no official fundraising activities were organized.

The memorial in Fleurance was part of a nationwide wave of solidarity. Similar commemorations were organized in several French cities, including Paris, Nantes, and Ajaccio, to honor the late Lyhanna and raise awareness about the need for child protection measures.

Investigations into Lyhanna’s cause of death are ongoing. Authorities have announced they will take all necessary steps to bring the truth to light and hold those responsible accountable. Lyhanna’s family has requested privacy and thanks the community for their support during this difficult time.

The memorial in Fleurance was a moving moment for the community, reflecting deep grief and the desire for justice for Lyhanna. Participants showed their solidarity and respect for the girl’s life and their support for the mourning family.