Court dismisses mother’s complaint against Justice Minister over alleged failure to protect minor victim

Following the murder of Lyhanna, the mother of a young girl named Rosa filed a complaint that Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin had not ensured the judicial system could effectively handle sexual-violence complaints against minors. She also accused Jérôme Barella of repeatedly raping her daughter. The commission of inquiries of the Cour de justice de la République examined the complaint and concluded that the alleged offenses of putting another’s life in danger and failing to assist a person in danger were not proven, noting no legal provision imposed such a duty on the minister.

Consequently, the case was dismissed without the possibility of appeal. Rémy Heitz, the prosecutor general at the Cour de Cassation, announced the decision. Pierre Debuisson, representing the mother, condemned the ruling as a “lapidary decision” that leaves the minister and the justice ministry unaccountable.