Murder of 11-Year-Old Girl Sparks Outrage in France
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- France is grappling with the murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna, whose body was found near Fleurance, sparking nationwide protests demanding justice and action.
- The accused, Jerome Barella, a 41-year-old father of one of Lyhanna's schoolmates, admitted to driving her to a pool but denies involvement in her death.
- Barella had been reported to police months earlier for alleged child sexual abuse but was never questioned, despite multiple complaints surfacing over nine months.
- The mother of another alleged victim is suing the state and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, who has apologized for systemic failures but refuses to resign.
- In response, Darmanin has ordered a review of 70,000 unresolved complaints involving minors, and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has pledged tougher child-protection laws, including possible life sentences for serial rapists.