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Thousands March in France for Murdered Schoolgirl After Police Delays
A silent march took place Sunday in Fleurance for an 11-year-old girl killed after police failed to question a suspect about prior allegations. The case has prompted national discussion about delays in France's justice system.
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Thousands of mourners joined a silent march Sunday in the south-western village of Fleurance for an 11-year-old schoolgirl identified only as Lyhanna. Her parents led the procession behind a banner reading "Never again," with many participants wearing white shirts bearing her portrait.
The girl was last seen on 29 May entering a grey car later identified as belonging to a local school cleaner. Her body was found seven days later in a disused grain silo 15 kilometres away. The suspect has denied involvement, stating he dropped her at a local swimming pool.
Police records show the suspect had been the subject of multiple prior complaints. The suspect was never summoned before the May abduction. Earlier complaints date back to 2017, when a case involving a 17-year-old was dropped after the girl stated consent.
In 2021 the suspect was dismissed from another school job over alleged online contact with a female student. A 2022 rape allegation involving a seven-year-old was dismissed in 2024 for lack of evidence.
The French president stated during a visit to Montenegro last week that the failure was "unacceptable" and that responsibilities would be examined through an official investigation. " A new rape allegation against the suspect was lodged last week, with no further details released.
