Dozens of women’s rights activists and members of feminist organisations gathered outside a courthouse in Perpignan, southern France, on Monday, calling for stronger legal protections for women and children following the killing of 11-year-old Lyhanna earlier this month.
Footage shows demonstrators holding banners demanding greater child protection and listening to speeches. Protesters also observed a minute’s silence for the victim before confronting Perpignan public prosecutor Jerome Bourrier as he arrived at the courthouse.
“We have been working on this comprehensive law for at least two years. It took the death of a young girl for people to start talking about it, and I find that absolutely tragic,” a member of a feminist collective explained.
“We demand that the entire law be passed, not just a few measures that are picked out and adopted without resources, as suggested by the prime minister,” she continued.
Campaigners urged authorities to adopt a comprehensive law addressing violence against women and children, arguing that current measures fall short. They also criticised what they described as the inadequate handling of domestic violence cases, noting that some investigators are responsible for as many as 250 cases each.
“It is a systemic problem. And within feminist collectives, what we are calling for is that both enforcement and prevention be taken into account, and that all of this be integrated into the same law,” remarked Monique Hernandez, president of the Women’s Rights Collective in Perpignan, rejecting suggestions that comprehensive protections cannot be achieved through a single piece of legislation.
The demonstration followed the death of Lyhanna, who disappeared after leaving school in Fleurance on May 29. Her body was discovered a week later in a disused grain silo following an extensive search operation.
The case triggered public outrage after reports emerged that the suspect, 41-year-old Jerome Barella, had been known to police since 2017 over allegations involving minors. Two investigations were reportedly dropped, while another resulted in his dismissal from his job as a school maintenance worker. Barella remains in custody and denies the allegations against him.
Advocacy groups are calling for a comprehensive law on sexual violence against women and children, supported by a €2.7 billion budget. Organisers have also announced plans to stage protests outside courthouses across France every Monday.
Source: Viory
