France to review 70,000 child sex abuse claims after fury over girl’s murder French prosecutors are now required to review all ongoing investigations involving minors by mid-July, following the murder of an 11-year-old girl that highlighted significant failures within the justice system. The suspect in the case had faced multiple prior allegations of violence against minors, none of which resulted in a conviction. This has led to widespread public anger, a national apology from the Justice Minister, and a directive for prosecutors to prioritize these cases, with potential disciplinary actions for identified failures.

• French prosecutors must review all 70,000 active investigations involving minors by July 14.
• The directive follows the murder of an 11-year-old girl, Lyhanna, whose suspected killer had prior unresolved allegations of sexual violence against minors.
• Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin called the case a “terrible failure” and promised an inspection report.
• President Emmanuel Macron has also condemned the “unacceptable” lapses.
• Disciplinary action, from reprimands to dismissals, may follow if failures are found.
• Minors constituted nearly 58% of sexual violence victims recorded in France last year.