PARIS, June 8 – France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin announced Monday that he has directed public prosecutors to examine 70,000 pending allegations of violence against children, following widespread anger over the killing of an 11-year-old girl.
The child’s death sparked public fury after officials revealed they had failed to take action on earlier child sexual assault accusations against the primary suspect in the case.
Darmanin characterized the situation as a “terrible failure from the state, and of the justice system.”
He instructed prosecutors to examine all formal complaints submitted to authorities nationwide by July 14, calling it “an absolute priority.”
When questioned about potential resignation, Darmanin stated: “If any shortcomings are identified, I will take responsibility and propose disciplinary actions ranging from a reprimand to dismissal.”
Politicians from various parties indicated the incident demonstrates how the justice system has failed to safeguard women and children from sexual violence.
