Key facts
- Thousands of people demonstrated across France on Saturday.
- Protesters are demanding a comprehensive law against sexual violence.
- The movement was catalyzed by the rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna.
- The suspect in Lyhanna's case had prior accusations of child rape.
- Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has ordered a review of 70,000 outstanding child sexual abuse cases.
Thousands of protesters marched across France on Saturday, demanding the government enact a comprehensive law to combat sexual violence. The demonstrations were largely spurred by the recent rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna, an event that has exposed perceived systemic failures within the French justice system.
Lyhanna went missing on May 29 in Fleurance and her body was discovered nearly a week later. Public anger intensified upon learning that the primary suspect, the father of a school friend, had previously faced accusations of raping a child, but these investigations had either stalled or been dropped. This situation has led to widespread criticism of a justice system perceived as inadequately resourced and more protective of aggressors than victims.
Feminist and child protection organizations are advocating for a "360-degree" legal framework that addresses prevention, judicial treatment, and victim support, rather than relying on ad-hoc measures. Anne-Cécile Mailfert, president of the Women's Foundation, highlighted that 94% of rape complaints are dismissed, allowing many alleged aggressors to evade accountability.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged "clear malfunctions" and the need to understand systemic lapses across public services. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin apologized for a "huge failure" in Lyhanna's case and has tasked prosecutors with reviewing approximately 70,000 outstanding child sexual abuse cases by July 14. Despite the ambitious timeline, concerns remain about the feasibility given the known slowness of France's justice system, which has one of the lowest numbers of professional judges in Europe.