Justice Ministry Admits System Failures in Inès Mecellem Feminicide Case, Announces New Measures

On February 19, 2026, the inspection générale de la justice acknowledged a "accumulation of failures" in the handling of Inès Mecellem’s case, a 25-year-old woman murdered by her ex-partner on September 8, 2025, in Poitiers. Despite multiple complaints of harassment and threats — including activating her telephone grave danger device shortly before her death — state authorities failed to properly assess and respond to the severe risk she faced.

The report highlighted significant shortcomings in risk evaluation, complaint management, and judicial coordination. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who commissioned the inspection, announced a "change of method" in combating violence against women. Key reforms include establishing a national hotline for danger phones, standardizing offender accountability training, and piloting joint civil and criminal hearings.

Feminist organizations reported 167 feminicides in France for 2025, marking a significant increase from 107 in 2024, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. Darmanin’s commitment aims to improve protection mechanisms and prevent further tragedies like Mecellem’s.

The case exposes systemic failings despite existing protocols designed to protect domestic violence victims. This official recognition signals a critical step for France to overhaul its approach to domestic violence and feminicide prevention.