France flags nearly 1,000 priority child sexual abuse cases

France's Justice Ministry announced that a nationwide audit identified 970 priority child sexual abuse files – about 1.14% of the 69,626 cases reviewed out of 85,047 complaints. The review, ordered by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin after the high‑profile murder of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna, led to 1,350 new investigations since 8 June, a 309% rise, and 675 incarcerations, up 173%.

The audit found that 38.5% of the reviewed cases were criminal, 61.5% were delicts, and 83.5% of alleged perpetrators had been identified. Victims remain minors in 36% of the priority files. Darmanin said he will meet individually with the 36 general prosecutors by July to assess progress and accelerate case handling.