At least nine legal proceedings have now been identified in connection with Jérôme Barella, 41, who was already the subject of several reports and complaints before the death of 11-year-old Lyhanna, found dead in the Gers region. Four new cases have been added to those already known: the complaint filed by Rosa's parents, the Béthune case, a dismissal following behavior deemed inappropriate at a high school, and a relationship presented as consensual with a minor. With the Lyhanna case, these elements bring to nine the number of proceedings or cases mentioned in connection with Jérôme Barella.
Alerts left unanswered
The man had already been the subject of independent reports regarding Lyhanna's disappearance. Several complaints or alerts were reportedly filed before the case became public. These had not, however, led to any actual charges being brought against Jérôme Barella at this stage. This is the point that is now the focus of attention: how could so many cases have existed without triggering a sufficiently strong legal response before the tragedy?
Darmanin summons the public prosecutors
In response to the scale of the controversy, Gérald Darmanin summoned the public prosecutors to the Ministry of Justice this morning. The Minister of Justice is also scheduled to speak at a press conference at 10:30 a.m. He announced his intention to ask the public prosecutors to review all complaints involving children. Approximately 70,000 cases are said to be affected, with a target date of July 14th.
A massive white march for Lyhanna
On Sunday, several thousand people participated in a silent march in Fleurance, a rural town in the Gers department, in tribute to Lyhanna. The prefecture estimated the number of participants at around 6,000. Gathered behind the girl's parents and brother, the participants formed a procession in an atmosphere of both solemnity and anger. The community remains deeply affected by the child's death.
Rallies planned in front of the courts
This evening at 19 p.m., several associations and child rights advocates are calling for demonstrations in front of the Ministry of Justice in Paris and in front of courthouses across the country. These gatherings aim to denounce the shortcomings of the judicial system and demand better protection for children. They are being organized by citizens, local groups, and associations dedicated to defending children's rights.
The justice system is now being called upon to explain what was done, what was not done, and why.
