France inspection report finds delays and gaps in handling of Lyhanna murder case

On Monday, the joint inspection by the General Inspectorate of the Gendarmerie (IGGN) and the General Inspectorate of Justice (IGJ) released an interim report on the handling of the complaint filed in August 2025 after the body of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna was found in an abandoned farm in the Gers department. The report was submitted to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and Interior Minister Laurent Núñez.

Inspectors Stéphane Noël and Jean‑Michel Gentil said the complaint against Jérôme Barella – accused of repeatedly raping a 10‑year‑old and later linked to Lyhanna’s death – “was not treated as a priority procedure”. They identified a “cumulative loss of time and lack of follow‑up” by both the local parquet and the gendarmerie when the file moved to the Auch prosecutor’s office. Specific failures included delayed entry of the paper file, misdirection of the case to the wrong gendarmerie service, and insufficient supervision of the investigation and custody decision.

The report recommends further investigations and may lead to sanctions for professional misconduct. Political leaders faced heated criticism; calls for the Justice Minister’s resignation and for stronger protection of sexual‑assault victims intensified. Additional inquiries by the education, sport and research inspectorates are underway, with a final report due in September.