France justice minister warns of failures in investigations into sexual violence against minors

Saturday 08 August 2026 - 09:57

By: Sahili Aya

France justice minister warns of failures in investigations into sexual violence against minors

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has raised concerns over significant shortcomings in investigations into sexual violence against children, according to a letter sent to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and reported publicly on Saturday.

The 12-page document, dated July 29, brings together information gathered by prosecutors' offices across France and describes a series of administrative and investigative failures affecting cases involving sexual violence against minors.

Missing files and stalled investigations

Among the problems identified are cases that were never properly recorded by the judicial system because investigation files had not been transmitted to prosecutors.

The document also refers to investigations that have been abandoned, lost or left without adequate follow-up, as well as cases effectively disappearing from institutional oversight.

Staff shortages are identified as another factor contributing to delays and difficulties in handling these investigations.

The findings raise concerns about the ability of law-enforcement and judicial services to ensure that allegations involving children receive appropriate and timely attention.

A priority for the Justice Ministry

The issue has become a major priority for Darmanin's ministry following widespread public concern surrounding the Lyhanna case.

The minister's letter reportedly consolidates information supplied by prosecutors' offices following requests for detailed assessments of how these cases are handled.

Rather than focusing on a single investigation, the document provides a broader picture of weaknesses across the system.

Cooperation between justice and interior services

By sending the findings to Laurent Nuñez, Darmanin has placed the problems at the center of discussions between the Justice and Interior ministries.

The two institutions have complementary responsibilities in criminal investigations, making coordination between investigators and prosecutors crucial to ensuring that cases are properly registered, investigated and ultimately brought before the courts when warranted.

The identification of missing files and uncompleted investigations highlights the consequences that can arise when that chain of responsibility breaks down.

Pressure for institutional reform

The findings come amid growing demands for stronger protection of children and more effective responses to sexual violence.

For the Justice Ministry, identifying the scale and nature of the failures is an initial step toward determining what additional resources, procedures or organizational changes may be necessary.

The letter therefore puts renewed pressure on French authorities to address shortcomings in the treatment of cases involving minors and to ensure that reports of sexual violence do not disappear within administrative or investigative systems.