French Judicial Professionals Mobilize Against Darmanin’s Controversial Criminal Justice Reforms

On June 29, 2026, magistrates, lawyers, and justice officials across France united in a significant protest dubbed "Justice morte" to oppose the government’s proposed criminal justice reforms under Minister Gérald Darmanin. Organized in front of numerous courts, the mobilization targeted the SURE bill, which judicial actors argue infringes upon the rights of the defense and the protections of defendants.

In Paris, demonstrators, dressed in traditional robes, strongly condemned the bill’s provisions including the extension of pre-trial detention periods. Louis Degos, the bâtonnier of Paris, highlighted these ongoing problematic elements. The main magistrates’ syndicate also criticized Darmanin’s recent remarks related to the Lyhanna murder case, accusing the minister of unfairly scapegoating judges.

Additionally, Mathilde Thimotée, Secretary General of the Syndicat de la magistrature, urged rejection not only of the SURE bill but also the RIPOST bill, which she claims intensifies punitive sanctions and diverts attention from pressing issues such as child sexual violence.

Besides policy grievances, protesters emphasized deteriorating working conditions within the justice system, underscoring broader systemic challenges in criminal justice administration.

This judicial protest reflects mounting tension between justice professionals and the government over the future direction of France’s penal system reforms.