France incarcerates 924 people in two months after Lyhanna abuse case

The French Ministry of Justice announced that 924 individuals have been incarcerated for sexual violence against minors in the two months since June 8, a rise of 134 % compared with normal figures. In the same period, 1,700 judicial investigations were opened, up 271 % year‑on‑year. The surge follows Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin’s June 8 order for all prosecutors to review complaints linked to the Lyhanna case – an 11‑year‑old girl whose alleged rapist, Jérôme Barella, had previously faced multiple unresolved accusations. The ministry described the response as an "exceptional mobilisation" that marks a structural, durable shift in the protection of minors. On July 4, around 300 people demonstrated in Saint‑Brieuc demanding concrete actions and resources to combat child and women’s violence.