France is facing growing public anger following the murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna, after it emerged that the main suspect had previously been linked to several allegations involving young girls.
Lyhanna disappeared after school in the Gers region of southwestern France, and her body was discovered on farmland near Fleurance on Thursday. A 41-year-old man, identified as Jérome B, remains in police custody. Investigators say witnesses saw the girl in his vehicle on the day she went missing.
The case has sparked political controversy after officials revealed that the suspect had been named in multiple earlier complaints. Most notably, a rape complaint involving a 10-year-old girl was filed last year, supported by medical evidence, yet the suspect was reportedly never questioned.
French leaders across the political spectrum have criticized the apparent failures of the justice system. President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as unacceptable, while Prime Minister François Bayrou has ordered a report into the handling of the case within 15 days.
