INSANE: Lyhanna | Rare Historical Photos

French man charged with rape and murder of schoolgirl Lyhanna

The main suspect in the death of an 11-year-old girl whose body was found in the Gers region has been charged with the rape and murder of a child. The case has sparked nationwide protests and renewed scrutiny of the French justice system, after it emerged that the suspect had…

Radio France Internationale · Jul 16

Marine Le Pen appeal verdict: Will the far-right leader be barred from the French presidency?

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s political fate will be decided on Tuesday when a Paris appeals court rules on whether she is eligible to run in the 2027 presidential elections, a verdict with major implications for France's future. Le Pen is appealing her 2025 conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds…

France 24 · Jul 5

Tens of thousands rally in France for a comprehensive law to fight sexual violence

The shockwave following the rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna in May has continued to echo across France, with tens of thousands of people across the country marching on Saturday in support of what organisers call a comprehensive law against sexual violence.

France 24 · Jul 4

French justice system to re-examine 88,000 child abuse claims

Some 88,000 complaints regarding sexual violence against children are being re-examined by investigative services – a figure higher than the 70,000 initially ordered by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin last month. This comes in the wake of the murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna, whose death prompted public outrage over the state's mishandling…

Radio France Internationale · Jun 30

Calls for child protection reforms in wake of schoolgirl Lyhanna's death

An investigation into previous child rape allegations against the suspect in the death of a schoolgirl in southern France has revealed failures by prosecutors and police. The case has unleashed a wave of criticism over how sexual and gender-based violence cases are handled in France, with victims, families and advocates…

Radio France Internationale · Jun 26

French government begins disciplinary action over child abuse case failings

The French government has announced disciplinary action against a magistrate and two gendarmerie officers over the handling of a suspect in child abuse case, which has lead to public outcry. This comes on the heels of a report which pointed to serious failings of the justice system, particularly with regards…

Radio France Internationale · Jun 23

Repeated errors in handling of rape case linked to French girl's death: report

An administrative investigation ordered after the death of 11 year-old Lyhanna in southern France has revealed serious failings in how a previous rape complaint against the main suspect was handled. The case has brought the French judicial and police system under stark scrutiny, especially regarding cases of child abuse.

Radio France Internationale · Jun 22

'The case of Lyhanna is not exceptional': Head of Women for Women France

The CEO of a French group that fights for the rights of women and children in France has hit out at the French government and justice system. Her comments come after the murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna. The prime suspect in the case is a man who had previously been reported…

France 24 · Jun 16

Botched investigation sparks outrage

A funeral has been held for 11-year-old Lyhanna. Her murder has sparked a national debate over child sexual abuse and failures of the French judicial system. The suspect, Jérôme Barella, had been previously accused. It’s now been discovered that child protection authorities in the US flagged his suspicious online activity…

France 24 · Jun 13

Hundreds gather for funeral of French schoolgirl whose killing sparked national outrage

Flags flew at half-mast at the town hall in Fleurance in southwestern France on Friday as hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old schoolgirl whose suspected murder sparked national outrage over the exposed failures in the judicial system.

France 24 · Jun 12