French town buries murdered child as police failings spark national outrage

An 11‑year‑old girl named Lyhanna was murdered two weeks ago in south‑western France and her body was buried in the small town of Fleurance, 50km west of Toulouse.

Local residents and family members attended the funeral, which was held in the town’s cemetery and joined by other nearby towns.

The murder has triggered anger that the suspect, 41‑year‑old Jérôme Barella, was let loose because police ignored the string of sexual‑abuse allegations already against him.

Barella had been charged with the rape of a 10‑year‑old girl in August last year and had been reported to the police, but investigators never questioned him.

US authorities had flagged Barella’s online activity as suspicious, but French police only discovered it after a name‑search following his recent arrest.

Following the investigation, other family members of Barella – his father and brother – have also been questioned for alleged sexual offences.

Police said the suspect’s father, Joël, who was also living in the area, was involved in a separate 2019 case involving alleged abuse of a granddaughter.

The case has heightened criticism of the French justice system’s handling of sexual crimes against minors, and the government has pledged to strengthen penalties and impose limits on investigations.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has defended the agency’s performance and an opinion poll shows most people want him to stay in his post.

The incident continues to haunt the region and has intensified discussions about the need for new laws and increased funding for child protection.