French Justice Minister Darmanin Launches Disciplinary Probe in Lyhanna Case

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered an administrative investigation of a substitute prosecutor in Auch concerning the handling of the Lyhanna case. The probe follows a pre‑inspection report that identified serious failures in processing complaints related to the murder of the minor Lyhanna. Darmanin said the disciplinary procedure could lead to sanctions and may be referred to the Conseil supérieur de la magistrature, with conclusions expected before the end of summer 2026.

In reaction, about 600 French magistrates organised a coordinated protest via an encrypted WhatsApp group, planning a “dead day” on 29 June 2026 that would halt court operations nationwide. They intend to flood the CSM and ministerial mailboxes and call for the withdrawal of certain judicial authorisations. Darmanin reiterated that “Il arrive qu’il y ait des fautes professionnelles qui soient commises et il faut évidemment les sanctionner.” The dispute highlights tensions within the French judiciary over case management and disciplinary oversight.