Magistrates rally across France after government sanctions prosecutor in Lyhanna case
Following a pre-report on judicial failures in the handling of a rape complaint prior to the murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna, the government sanctioned a prosecutor and two gendarmes, sparking nationwide protests by magistrates who accuse the justice minister of scapegoating.
Pre-report reveals two-phase failure
The inspection report, delivered on 22 June, distinguishes an initial phase handled diligently by the Plaisance-du-Touch gendarmerie and Toulouse prosecutor, and a later phase after transfer to Auch marked by failures in follow-up, coordination and oversight. The report notes excessive delays, lack of prioritisation of the case, and insufficient monitoring.
Government announces immediate sanctions
On the evening of 22 June, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced on TF1 an administrative investigation into a substitute prosecutor in Auch and withdrew her authorisation to handle cases involving minors. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez requested the transfer of the lead investigator and the Condom company commander to non-judicial police roles.
Magistrates denounce scapegoating
The following day, magistrates' unions reacted sharply. The USM condemned strong political pressure and accused the government of designating culprits among field actors. The Syndicat de la magistrature said the report highlighted structural dysfunctions known for years, not just individual errors.
The report's recommendations confirm the existence of structural or systemic causes, which must not be obscured in assessing the work done.
Understaffing and systemic strain
The unions pointed to chronic under-resourcing. The Auch prosecutor's office operates with fewer than four full-time magistrates, against a European average of at least 24. The pre-report documents overloaded services, inexperienced magistrates filling in, and inadequate IT tools.
At this stage, it is not acceptable to stigmatise individuals. The report is much more balanced. It documents the workload of duty magistrates, the fragility of organisations... We can see there are holes in the net.
Nationwide rallies
On 23 June, magistrates, clerks, and lawyers gathered in multiple cities. In Bordeaux, around 100 people rallied, joined by the first president of the court of appeal and the prosecutor general. Similar protests took place in Lyon (about 30 magistrates), Strasbourg, Limoges (about 20 judicial staff), Nantes, and Périgueux. The unions called the sanctions a witch hunt and demanded attention to systemic failures rather than individual blame.
- Rosa files rape complaint against Jérôme Barella.
- Lyhanna, 11, found dead; Barella suspected.
- Pre-report on judicial handling delivered; sanctions announced.
- Magistrates rally in multiple French cities.
