Murder of Lyhanna: White March in Fleurance as an Expression of Mourning and Protest

Fleurance – 06/07/2026: In Fleurance, Département Gers, around 6,000 people came together on June 7, 2026, for a white march to commemorate the murdered 11-year-old Lyhanna and to draw attention to possible failures in the justice system. The march, which began at 3 p.m., developed into both an act of mourning and a protest against the perceived shortcomings in the handling of the case.

Lyhanna disappeared without a trace on May 29. On June 4, her body was found in an abandoned grain silo near Fleurance. Jérôme B., a 41-year-old acquaintance of the girl, has been in custody since June 2. He is suspected of abducting and imprisoning a child under the age of 15.

Before the march, it became known that Jérôme B. had already been reported in August 2025 for the sexual abuse of a girl of this age. However, the complaint was not immediately pursued at that time, which has been heavily criticized by the public and those affected, giving the impression that the justice system did not act forcefully enough.

The march participants wore white clothing and carried flowers as symbols of mourning and peace. Leading the march were Lyhanna’s parents and her brother, accompanied by local politicians, including the deputy David Taupiac, who also described the march as a “silent form of protest” against the authorities’ deficiencies. The girl’s mother was deeply moved: “It is comforting to see that so many people stand together here today to honor Lyhanna.”

Several speakers called for improved cooperation between the judiciary, police, and social services to better protect children in the future. Alongside grief, many participants were overwhelmed by outrage over the inadequate investigation and delays in handling the earlier complaint against the main suspect.

The investigation into Lyhanna’s death is ongoing. Autopsy results are still pending and should provide further details on the exact circumstances of death. Authorities have also launched an inquiry to clarify possible negligence in processing the complaint against Jérôme B.

The case has caused nationwide shock and reignited discussions about child protection and the efficiency of the justice system. The “white march of Fleurance” symbolizes both the remembrance of a young life and a call to the state and society to take child protection more seriously and to prevent such tragedies in the future.