Darmanin writes to magistrates, insisting independence goes with responsibility after Lyhanna case

The letter, dispatched on 15 June 2026 and made public by BFMTV, comes ten days after the body of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna was discovered in the Gers department. The case has ignited public outrage and renewed scrutiny of how the French justice system handles complaints, particularly those involving violence against minors.

Context of the Lyhanna affair

Lyhanna’s body was found on 4 June. Jérôme Barella is the principal suspect. The justice minister had already criticised individual shortcomings in the handling of the case within hours of the discovery, drawing sharp rebukes from magistrates who accused him of pre‑judging the outcome of ongoing investigations. Darmanin has since maintained that his instructions to prioritise cases involving harm to persons, including child sex offences, were not fully implemented, thereby rejecting any political responsibility for the tragedy.

Darmanin’s two‑page letter

In a two‑page handwritten note addressed to about 10,000 members of the judiciary, Darmanin justified his direct approach.

I have chosen to write to you at this very important moment … to reaffirm my visceral attachment to the independence of the judiciary.

He also underlined his constitutional role, writing that it requires him to be accountable to the French people and Parliament and to establish individual or collective responsibilities for the proper functioning of the justice service.

The balance of independence and responsibility

The letter’s core message is that judicial independence cannot be separated from accountability.

This independence goes hand in hand with responsibility. When professional faults are established, by inspection reports or administrative investigations, no one would understand if they were not sanctioned.

Darmanin assured magistrates of the government’s confidence and of his personal commitment to securing resources for the judiciary, while stating his hope that his energy and frankness matched their own dedication.

Political fallout and calls for resignation

Since the affair erupted, several opposition figures have urged Darmanin to step down. Mathilde Panot of La France insoumise, ecologist Yannick Jadot, Socialist Party first secretary Olivier Faure, and representatives of the Rassemblement national have all issued formal or implicit calls for his resignation. Darmanin has resisted, arguing that the fundamental problem was a failure to apply his policy directive on victim‑oriented case processing.

Next steps and the 22 June deadline

The twin inspections ordered by the government, one by the gendarmerie and one by the judicial inspectorate, are due to submit their findings on 22 June. Those reports are expected to identify where and why the system broke down. Darmanin has indicated he will use their conclusions to pursue accountability, and he reiterated his wish to push forward with a constitutional reform of the public prosecution service.

1. Jun 4, 2026Body of Lyhanna, 11, discovered in the Gers department
2. Jun 15, 2026Justice minister Darmanin sends handwritten letter to magistrates
3. Jun 22, 2026Inspection reports on the affair due to be submitted to the government