Funeral Procession in Fleurance: 6,000 People Commemorate the Deceased Lyhanna

Fleurance – 07.06.2026: On Sunday, June 7, 2026, around 6,000 people gathered in Fleurance, a town in the Gers department, for a memorial event honoring 11-year-old student Lyhanna. The event began at 3 p.m. at Square de Verdun, near Collège Hubert-Reeves, the last known location of the girl.

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

Lyhanna’s parents initiated the organization of the memorial event and participated personally. They thanked the mayor of Fleurance for his support and also invited the mayors of surrounding communities to join the event. However, they emphasized in an official statement that no political presence was desired.

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

Lyhanna’s family expressed moving words during the ceremony. An aunt read a letter from the mother, stating: “Our little world has completely collapsed.” In conclusion, she addressed Lyhanna: “Sorry, Lyhanna. Sorry for what you experienced. We love you so much.”

Mayor Grégory Bobbato sharply criticized the justice system during his speech. He said: “They want us to believe that this tragedy affecting Lyhanna’s family is merely a misconduct in an otherwise functioning system.” He added: “For too long, we have tolerated a system that suffocates instead of listening, that discourages rather than encourages.”

In Lyhanna’s case, the main suspect is Jérôme Barella, a 41-year-old family man who has been repeatedly reported for sexual offenses against minors. Despite these allegations, he was never questioned by law enforcement authorities. The memorial event concluded with a moment of silence in honor of Lyhanna.

The tragedy has deeply shaken not only the local community but also sparked nationwide outrage. President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as “unacceptable” and emphasized that misconduct is clearly involved. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin apologized to Lyhanna’s family on behalf of the judiciary.

The case highlights deficiencies in handling reports of sexualized violence against minors and strengthens calls for reforms within the justice and police systems. The widespread solidarity at the memorial signals the public’s desire for better child protection and consistent prosecution of offenders.