Lyhanna Affair: Thousands Demonstrate Despite Ban in Front of the Ministry of Justice

Paris – 06/08/2026: Despite an assembly ban issued by the Paris prefecture, several thousand people gathered on Monday evening in front of the Ministry of Justice in Paris to protest against the mishandling of sexual violence cases by the judiciary. The demonstrators demanded better treatment of victims of sexual violence and criticized the justice system for its role in the case of 11-year-old Lyhanna.

The assembly began in the early evening and continued into the night. Despite a strong police presence in front of the ministry, the demonstrators held their ground and chanted slogans such as “Justice, wake up” and “Never again such a thing.” Among the participants were prominent figures such as actresses Anna Mouglalis and Judith Godrèche as well as Richard Berry’s daughter, Coline Berry.

The protests were a response to the discovery of Lyhanna’s body on June 4, 2026, in a grain silo near Fleurance in the Gers department. The main suspect, Jérôme Barella, 41 years old, had previously been reported for sexual assaults on minors but was never questioned. These incidents raise questions about the effectiveness of the judiciary in handling such cases.

In total, over 200 assemblies were organized nationwide to commemorate young Lyhanna and demand better treatment of victims of sexual violence by the judiciary. These nationwide protests highlight the deep concern of the population about safeguarding children’s rights and the responsibility of the judiciary in dealing with such cases.

The demonstrations took place not only in Paris but also in other cities such as Agen, Lyon, and Bordeaux. In Agen, the competent jurisdiction for the investigations in the Lyhanna case, at least 1,000 people gathered in front of the courthouse. In Lyon, about 800 people assembled in front of the Rhône appeals court.

The protesters demanded comprehensive reform of the justice system to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again. They emphasized the need to better protect children’s rights and to hold those responsible for failures accountable.

The events surrounding the Lyhanna case have sparked wide public debate about the effectiveness of the judiciary in handling sexual violence cases. The nationwide protests reflect society’s desire that such tragedies no longer occur and that children’s rights be better protected.

The demonstrations ended peacefully, but the question of necessary reforms in the justice system remains in order to restore the public’s trust in institutions and prevent future tragedies.