Auch – 10.06.2026: After the tragic death of 15-year-old student Lyhanna in Gers, the judges of the Auch court have sharply criticized the public climate and political rhetoric, which they see as fueled by an “unvarnished political discourse.” They speak of “incitement to hatred” that further exacerbates existing tensions and workloads in the judiciary.
In 2025, more than 10,000 complaints were filed with the Auch public prosecutor’s office; these were handled by only three prosecutors. The judges emphasize that this overload significantly strains the judicial personnel resources and complicates the conduct of thorough investigations. The public debate and political attacks also increase pressure on the judicial authorities.
In a joint statement, the judges call for a respectful, factual, and fact-based discussion about the case and condemn any form of agitation. They urgently warn that public attacks on the judiciary could undermine its independence and integrity. Only through sober and fair consideration can the truth be uncovered and justice achieved.
The Auch public prosecutor’s office has declared the investigation into Lyhanna’s death its highest priority. It stresses the need for a thorough and impartial inquiry to uncover the causes of death and provide a just answer to the victim’s family.
The judges appeal to the public to respect the work of the judiciary and to avoid speculation or unfounded accusations. They point out that only a factual debate contributes to strengthening the rule of law and enhances trust in institutions.
The situation in Auch highlights a broader challenge for the French judiciary: the high workload, intensified public criticism, and political pressure threaten both the efficiency and independence of the legal system. Given these burdens, measures to improve working conditions and safeguard independence are urgently needed.
Amid these developments, Lyhanna’s family mourns their daughter and hopes for a prompt and just resolution of the case. They emphatically urge the authorities to do everything necessary to investigate the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
Furthermore, the case raises questions about the role of the media and political rhetoric in shaping public perception of judicial cases. It is crucial to distinguish between substantiated facts and speculation, and to avoid impairing the judiciary’s work through unprofessional comments, in order to ensure fair investigations.
Sources
- Franceinfo