Paris, June 8, 2026 – A planned rally in homage to Lyhanna, a victim whose case has sparked widespread indignation, was abruptly banned by the Paris Prefecture late on June 7, 2026. The event, initially scheduled to take place at Place Vendôme, was relocated to Place Louis Lépine on Île de la Cité, Paris 4th, at 7:00 PM (CET), preceded by a press conference at 6:30 PM (CET).
Late-Night Ban Sparks Outcry Among Organizers
The decision to prohibit the gathering at Place Vendôme was communicated to organizers at 3:00 AM on the day of the planned rally. This last-minute ban has been met with strong condemnation from the organizers, who had completed all necessary legal procedures within the stipulated deadlines.
“This decision, communicated just hours before the planned gathering, and as thousands of people were preparing to show their solidarity with Lyhanna, her family, and all victims at Place Vendôme, is completely irresponsible in addition to being contrary to the freedom to demonstrate,” stated a representative from the organizing body.
Place Vendôme: A Symbolic Location for Justice
The choice of Place Vendôme was highly symbolic for the organizers, as it is located in front of the Ministry of Justice. The organizers intended for the rally to serve as a powerful statement against what they perceive as systemic failures within the justice system to protect Lyhanna and numerous other victims.
“The prohibition of this gathering at Place Vendôme is a slap in the face to all citizens outraged by this affair and by the systemic failures of justice. It is an attack on our fundamental freedoms of demonstration and expression,” the organizers emphasized. They further added that the alternative locations proposed by the authorities did not account for the scale or the spirit of the mobilization.
Relocation to Place Louis Lépine Ensures Safety and Continuity
Despite the setback, organizers swiftly adapted to the situation to ensure the safety and smooth running of the event. The rally was successfully moved to Place Louis Lépine, a location chosen to accommodate the expected large turnout and maintain the integrity of the protest.
“They want to silence us, but we will make even more noise: together, we are unstoppable,” declared the organizers, urging supporters to join them at the new location. The event aimed to highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive law to better protect victims and prevent future tragedies.
Call for a Comprehensive Law and Continued Mobilization
The rally served as a platform to advocate for a “Loi intégrale” (comprehensive law) and to sign a petition supporting this cause. This mobilization in Paris is part of a broader national movement, with similar tributes to Lyhanna and other victims planned across France on June 8, 2026.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between civil liberties and public order concerns in France, particularly in the context of large-scale public demonstrations. The organizers remain committed to their cause, promising continued advocacy and mobilization to address what they describe as critical shortcomings in the protection of vulnerable individuals within the justice system.
For further updates and to support the petition, individuals are encouraged to follow the news of the Fondation des Femmes.
