French prosecutor calls for expanded review of child sexual abuse cases after Lyhanna case

Thursday 11 June 2026 - 10:15

A senior French prosecutor has called for a broader investigation into how cases of sexual violence against minors are handled, going beyond the scope initially requested by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, following public concern triggered by the Lyhanna case.

Marie-Suzanne Le Quéau, the prosecutor general at the Paris Court of Appeal, stated that she had asked for a more extensive review of judicial procedures than the one ordered by the government. The minister had requested an examination of around 70,000 complaints related to sexual violence against minors, after the death of an 11-year-old girl in the Gers region highlighted potential failures in the justice system.

The Lyhanna case involves allegations of repeated sexual violence against a child, with the initial complaint filed in August 2025 by the victim’s mother. The case has raised questions about how prior complaints against the suspect were processed and whether warning signs were properly addressed by authorities.

According to the prosecutor, the review will not only focus on cases already registered and processed by courts and investigative services, but also on those that may not yet have been formally recorded or fully examined by law enforcement agencies.

She indicated that approximately 7,000 cases under the jurisdiction of the Paris Court of Appeal alone will be reviewed. This includes files handled by multiple district prosecutors’ offices under her authority.

The investigation will also assess administrative procedures within the justice system, including how complaints are registered, transmitted, and prioritized by judicial services. The aim, according to Le Quéau, is to ensure that all cases are properly tracked and handled without delay.

The announcement reflects growing pressure on French authorities to improve the handling of sexual violence cases involving minors and to strengthen coordination between police, prosecutors, and judicial offices. The debate has intensified after several high-profile cases raised concerns about systemic delays and procedural gaps.

Officials say the expanded review could help identify weaknesses in the judicial chain and lead to reforms aimed at improving the protection of vulnerable victims and ensuring faster legal responses.