France Protests Over 11‑Year‑Old Murder as Justice Minister Faces Backlash

Massive demonstrations have broken out across France after police recovered the body of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna near the town of Fleurance. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, citing failures in investigating the suspect, 41‑year‑old Jérome Barella, who had been repeatedly reported to authorities for the sexual abuse of minors.

Barella, now in custody, admitted to taking Lyhanna to a local swimming pool but denied any involvement in her death. Despite a written complaint made by the mother of a 10‑year‑old, Rosa, in August last year, the police never questioned Barella during the nine months before Lyhanna’s disappearance. The case has revealed a wider systemic shortfall: seven dozen child‑abuse allegations involving Barella remained uninvestigated according to court statements.

“The principle of precaution should have been applied to take Mr Barella out of circulation and determine whether the allegations against him were true,” said Darmanin in a Senate hearing. He acknowledged “shocking and unacceptable failings” in state services but ruled out resignation.

The High Magistrate Council (CSM) criticized the media for casting magistrates as scapegoats, stressing that under‑resourced prosecutors limited the depth of investigations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced efforts to toughen child‑protection laws, proposing life‑term sentences for repeat rapists instead of the current 20‑year maximum.

Rosa’s mother has filed a lawsuit against the state and against Darmanin for negligence, while public pressure now forces the government to review approximately 70,000 pending child‑abuse complaints. The protests, now howling on the streets of Paris, Marseille and smaller cities alike, underscore growing distrust in France’s judicial system.