Lyhanna case: Estelle Mouzin's father denounces long-standing justice system failures

Éric Mouzin, whose daughter Estelle disappeared in 2003, has spoken out against what he calls "structural dysfunctions" within the French justice system. He drew parallels between his own ordeal and the recent disappearance of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl whose suspect had multiple prior complaints, including for sexual offenses against minors.

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Structural dysfunctions of justice that persist and complicate things.

Mouzin expressed solidarity with Lyhanna's parents, highlighting their similar struggle with what he described as "state dysfunction." He questioned why previous complaints against the suspect did not lead to a formal investigation. The father of Estelle Mouzin, who was murdered by serial killer Michel Fourniret, also voiced hope that communication protocols with families of victims have improved since his daughter's case, stating this was not the case for him.

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We are told that there were several complaints that did not lead anywhere. We must ask ourselves why there was no investigation.

His remarks come after Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin deemed the slow processing of complaints related to Lyhanna's disappearance "unacceptable." Mouzin, however, suggested that Darmanin and other officials seemed "to discover the existence of dysfunctions within their ministry," which he characterized as "surreal" given their long-standing nature. An administrative investigation has been launched into the matter.

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What is surprising, surreal. They know the situation, it is not the result of developments in recent months or weeks, it has been for a very long time.