The family of 17-year-old Louis Hervé has spoken out against what they describe as the political exploitation of their son’s death, urging the public to remember him with dignity while allowing the criminal justice process to run its course.

Louis died on June 23, 2026, four days after prosecutors allege he was lured to a construction site in the southern French city of Narbonne and violently assaulted. His death has shocked France, prompting an outpouring of grief and renewed debate over youth violence.

Authorities have since placed five young suspects under formal investigation as detectives continue examining the events that led to the fatal attack. Prosecutors say the investigation remains active, and officials have not yet reached final conclusions regarding the motive behind the assault.

In the days following Louis’ death, demonstrations began appearing under the slogan “Justice for Louis.” While many participants said they wanted to honor the teenager’s memory, his relatives made it clear they did not support public rallies connected to political movements.

Before the demonstrations took place, Louis’ family released a public statement rejecting “all political exploitation” of the tragedy. They emphasized that their only priority is seeking justice through the legal system and preserving Louis’ memory without it becoming a symbol for political causes.

The issue drew national attention after French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez also criticized attempts by far-right organizations to use the case for political purposes. He stressed that investigators had not established a racist motive for the killing and urged the public to allow prosecutors to complete their work without outside interference.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Louis’ father, Nicolas, described his son as a kind and respectful teenager who was loved by those who knew him. He said the family still struggles to understand why Louis became the victim of such a violent attack.

Nicolas also spoke about difficulties Louis had experienced before his death, including alleged bullying and his placement in government-supported care. He questioned decisions made by child welfare authorities, though those concerns remain separate from the criminal investigation into his son’s death.

Rather than participating in demonstrations, the family has focused its efforts on arranging Louis’ funeral and seeking justice through the courts. An online fundraiser established by the family aims to help cover funeral expenses and legal costs, with any remaining funds expected to be donated to organizations supporting victims of violence.

Messages of support have continued pouring in from across France, with many expressing sympathy for the family’s request that Louis be remembered for who he was rather than becoming the center of political debate. Supporters have echoed the family’s call for respect as investigators continue gathering evidence.

As the investigation progresses, prosecutors remain focused on establishing exactly what happened in the days leading up to Louis’ death and determining the legal responsibility of those accused. Meanwhile, his family says their only wish is that justice be delivered through the courts while allowing Louis to be remembered with dignity.

For those closest to him, the case is no longer about slogans or demonstrations. It is about a 17-year-old whose life ended far too soon—and a family determined to honor his memory while seeking the justice they believe he deserves.

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Source: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES UK