Sexual violence against minors: 924 individuals jailed since Lyhanna case

France has seen a significant surge in arrests for sexual violence against minors, with 924 individuals incarcerated since the launch of a nationwide judicial operation. This intensive effort was initiated by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin following the tragic death of 11-year-old Lyhanna in late May 2026.

Darmanin had directed magistrates and investigators to re-examine all complaints concerning children. The results, detailed in a Justice Ministry statement on July 28, show a 134% increase in incarcerations for sexual violence against minors compared to the usual figures. This intensified scrutiny has led to the opening of 1,753 judicial investigations into such offenses, a substantial 271% increase over the same period last year.

Earlier in June, Darmanin had requested a review of approximately 70,000 complaints of sexual violence against minors by July 14. Initial findings from that review identified nearly a thousand pedophilia cases as high priority. The Justice Ministry commended the remarkable commitment of magistrates, court staff, justice attachés, and all personnel who conducted this national review under tight deadlines while maintaining daily judicial operations.

Darmanin has met individually with all 36 public prosecutors general to draw lessons from this unprecedented review. He plans to convene them again on September 3. The ministry's statement highlighted the dedication of its staff in addressing these critical cases.