France Reopens Child Protection Cases After Public Outcry

French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin announced on Monday that he had ordered prosecutors to review 70,000 complaints involving violence against minors. The move follows public outrage over the death of an 11-year-old girl.

The case triggered widespread criticism after authorities acknowledged that previous allegations of child rape against the main suspect had not been adequately pursued. Darmanin described the affair as “a terrible failure of the state and the justice system”.

He instructed prosecutors to review all formal complaints filed with authorities across France by 14 July, calling the task an “absolute priority”.

Asked whether he was considering resigning, Darmanin said that if the review uncovered misconduct or negligence, he would take responsibility and propose disciplinary measures ranging from formal reprimands to dismissal.

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum said the case had exposed shortcomings in the justice system's ability to protect women and children from sexual violence.

(reuters, bak)