Funeral procession in Fleurance: 6,000 people commemorate the late Lyhanna

Fleurance – 07/06/2026: On Sunday, 7 June 2026, around 6,000 people gathered in Fleurance, a town in the Gers department, for a memorial for 11-year-old pupil Lyhanna. The gathering began at 3:00 p.m. at Square de Verdun, near Collège Hubert-Reeves, the girl’s last known location.

Lyhanna disappeared on 29 May 2026 and was found dead on 4 June 2026 in an abandoned agricultural silo in Puycasquier, about 15 kilometres south of Fleurance. The autopsy confirmed the child’s identity, while the exact causes of death are still under investigation.

Lyhanna’s parents had initiated the organisation of the memorial gathering and attended in person. They thanked the mayor of Fleurance for his support and also invited the mayors of surrounding municipalities to join the event. At the same time, they stressed in an official statement that no political presence was desired.

During the memorial ceremony, participants wore white clothing and held flowers. Many wore T-shirts bearing the words “Plus jamais ça” (“Never again”) and held up banners with similar messages. The atmosphere was marked by deep sorrow and solidarity.

Lyhanna’s family spoke in moving words during the ceremony. An aunt read a letter from the mother stating: “Our little world has completely collapsed.” Finally, she addressed Lyhanna: “Sorry, Lyhanna. Sorry for what you had to go through. We love you so much.”

Mayor Grégory Bobbato sharply criticised the justice system during his speech. He said: “They want us to believe that this tragedy affecting Lyhanna’s family is merely an incident within an otherwise well-functioning system.” He added: “For far too long, we have tolerated a system that suffocates instead of listening, that deters instead of encouraging.”

In the Lyhanna case, the main suspect is Jérôme Barella, a 41-year-old father who had already been charged several times with sexual harassment of minors. Despite these allegations, he was never questioned by investigative services. The memorial gathering ended with a minute of silence in honour of Lyhanna.

The tragedy has not only deeply affected the local community, but has also caused nationwide outrage. President Emmanuel Macron called the incident “unacceptable” and stressed that there had clearly been failures. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin apologised to Lyhanna’s family on behalf of the justice system.

The case casts a shadow on shortcomings in handling reports of sexual violence against minors and strengthens calls for reforms within the justice system and police force. The broad solidarity at the memorial expresses the public’s desire for better protection of children and consistent prosecution of perpetrators.