French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin sued over handling of Lyhanna case

For the fourth consecutive Monday since the death of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna, feminist and child‑rights groups organized protests across France. Hundreds gathered in Paris outside the Ministry of Justice, chanting slogans such as “Darmanin, démission!” and “Loi intégrale!”. A minute of silence was observed at 20:00 and speakers called for a comprehensive law against sexual violence toward women and children. The coalition said the demonstrations prompted Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to announce that a draft law will be examined in the autumn.

In a separate legal development, the lawyer for the mother of another 11‑year‑old girl, Rosa, lodged a formal complaint against Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin before the Cour de justice de la République. The complaint alleges “non‑assistance à personne en danger” and “mise en danger de la vie d’autrui”, citing a June 22 inspection report that identified serious failures in the coordination and follow‑up of the Lyhanna investigation. The lawyer, Me Pierre Debuisson, warned that the ministry’s shortcomings could lead to a broader breakdown of the French judicial system. High‑ranking magistrates have also expressed a loss of confidence in the minister, intensifying the political pressure.