France to review 70,000 allegations of violence against minors after girl's death
6/8/2026 5:03:20 PM
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.
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.