Justice Minister Orders Review of 70,000 Child-Related Judicial Complaints Following Lyhanna’s Death

In the wake of the tragic murder of an 11-year-old girl named Lyhanna, France's Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has mandated a comprehensive review of around 70,000 judicial complaints involving minors. This unprecedented judicial initiative aims to scrutinize child-related cases across the country to ensure proper handling and accountability within the justice system.

Darmanin announced on June 7, 2026, that all general prosecutors have been instructed to reexamine these complaints thoroughly, with the deadline for this extensive review set for July 14. He emphasized the critical nature of this mission by declaring that he himself will forgo any vacation until having met every general prosecutor to discuss and assess the situation.

A key meeting scheduled for Monday morning at the Chancellery will bring together the general prosecutors, where Darmanin is expected to demand detailed reports from each regarding the status of their reviews. This directive signifies a strong governmental response aiming to reinforce protections for children and restore public confidence following Lyhanna’s death.

This move reflects heightened vigilance over judicial processes concerning minors, signaling a major governmental effort toward systemic accountability. The Justice Minister’s firm stance illustrates the urgency and importance of safeguarding children's rights through diligent judicial oversight.

According to reports, the review covers all judicial complaints impacting children, which amount to approximately 70,000 cases nationwide. This extensive reexamination underscores the government's dedication to addressing potential failures or oversights that may exist in the handling of child protection matters.