Calls for child protection reforms in wake of schoolgirl Lyhanna's death

Women hold signs reading 'Because a child who speaks up... saves another' at a protest outside the judicial court in Bordeaux, 15 June. © Christophe Archambault/AFP

An investigation into previous child rape allegations against the suspect in the death of a schoolgirl in southern France has revealed failures by prosecutors and police. The case has unleashed a wave of criticism over how sexual and gender-based violence cases are handled in France, with victims, families and advocates pushing for reform.

Jerome Barella, the main suspect in the killing of 11-year-old Lyhanna at the start of June, had previously been accused of raping other children, but was not questioned by police over these allegations prior to Lyhanna's death.