Lyhanna case prompts nationwide review of child sexual abuse complaints in France

The murder of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna in Fleurance, southwestern France, sparked nationwide outrage and protests demanding stronger child‑protection measures. In response, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered prosecutors to re‑examine every open complaint involving sexual violence against minors, a caseload that has risen to about 88,000 reports, including more than 7,000 alleged rapes.

Across the country, magistrates are reviewing the backlog. In Boulogne‑sur‑Mer, prosecutors reported handling 550 child‑abuse cases, with nine flagged as priority, while in Moselle the appellate court reviewed 750 complaints, closing 20 % and earmarking 70 for urgent action. Officials highlighted chronic understaffing and long investigation times, noting that a typical inquiry can take 14 months.

Child‑rights groups and legal experts are calling for new emergency legal tools, such as rapid protection orders, to allow prosecutors to place at‑risk children in safe environments within days. The reforms aim to address systemic failures that allowed prior complaints against the alleged perpetrator, Jerome Barella, to slip through the cracks.