Thousands of women took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Monday in protest over the killing of an 11-year-old girl, with some demonstrators baring their chests to demand greater protection for women and children.
The nationwide demonstrations, which reportedly drew more than 60,000 participants, were triggered by the death of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl whose body was discovered last week near the south-western French town of Fleurance.
Carrying placards and chanting for justice, women’s rights activists accused authorities of failing to act on previous allegations against the main suspect in the case.
Several protesters also called for the resignation of France’s Justice Minister, Gérald Darmanin, arguing that law enforcement agencies failed to adequately investigate earlier complaints involving the suspect.
The man at the centre of the investigation, 41-year-old Jérôme Barella, had reportedly been accused of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl identified as Rosa.
According to reports, Rosa’s mother filed a complaint with the police in August last year, alleging that her daughter had been abused on multiple occasions.
Although medical examinations reportedly supported the allegations, critics say Barella was never questioned by investigators during the nine months that followed the complaint.
The handling of the earlier case has sparked widespread public anger, with many arguing that a more proactive investigation could have prevented Lyhanna’s death.
Lyhanna was reported missing after she failed to return home from school. Her body was later found on June 4 at a farm located about 10 kilometres from Fleurance, nearly a week after she was last seen.
Barella, who is said to be the father of one of Lyhanna’s friends, was arrested three days after the girl disappeared.
Investigators say he admitted giving the child a ride in his vehicle to a local swimming pool, but has denied any involvement in her death.
Reports indicate that during questioning before an investigating judge, the suspect declined to answer questions regarding the case.
French media have also reported that Barella had been mentioned in several previous allegations of sexual misconduct, raising further concerns about why earlier complaints did not receive greater attention from authorities.
The case has reignited debate in France over the handling of sexual abuse complaints and the protection of children from repeat offenders.
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