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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

French man charged with rape and murder of schoolgirl Lyhanna

Lyhanna Murder
Protestors hold placards reading "Incest kills", "Who has the right to do that? Well, everyone, according to 'the law'" and "Ministry of Children" during a demonstration outside the French Justice Ministry in Paris, 29 June 2026
Protestors hold placards reading "Incest kills", "Who has the right to do that? Well, everyone, according to 'the law'" and "Ministry of Children" during a demonstration outside the French Justice Ministry in Paris, 29 June 2026 © Julie Sebadelha/AFP

The main suspect in the death of an 11-year-old girl whose body was found in the Gers region has been charged with the rape and murder of a child. The case has sparked nationwide protests and renewed scrutiny of the French justice system, after it emerged that the suspect had previously been accused of raping another child.

Jérôme Barella, 41, was formally charged with the rape and murder of a child under the age of 15 after meeting with investigating magistrates on Wednesday.

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