France to review 70,000 allegations of violence against minors after girl's death

French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Justice in Paris following a working meeting with France's chief prosecutors, whom he asked to re-examine complaints concerning child victims following the Lyhanna case and the discovery of the 11-year-old girl's body near Fleurance, as well as revelations concerning accusations of rape of minors - some of which were subsequently dismissed - made against the suspect, France, June 8, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

PARIS, June 8 (Reuters) - ⁠French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin ⁠said on Monday he had told ‌public prosecutors to review 70,000 ongoing allegations of violence against minors, after an outcry over ​the death an 11-year-old ⁠girl.

• The girl's ⁠death caused outrage after authorities said they ⁠had ‌not acted on previous child rape allegations against the main ⁠suspect.

• The case marked a "terrible failure ​from ‌the state, and of the justice ⁠system," Darmanin ​said.

• Prosecutors had to review all formal complaints filed with authorities across the ⁠country by July 14 ​as "an absolute priority," he added.

• Asked if he would resign, Darmanin said: "If any shortcomings ⁠are identified, I will take responsibility and propose disciplinary actions ranging from a reprimand to dismissal."

• Lawmakers across ​the political spectrum said ⁠the case highlighted the justice system's ​failure to protect women ‌and children from sexual ​violence.

(Reporting by Hugo Lhomedet; Editing by Dominique Vidalon and Andrew Heavens)