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Hundreds of Thousands March for Anti-Violence Law After 11-Year-Old’s Murder

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hundreds of thousands marched in 100 French cities on 4 July demanding an anti-sexual-violence law after the rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna.
Organisers called for a “360-degree” law covering prevention, judicial response and victim support.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin apologized for a “huge failure” and set a 14 July deadline to review 70,000 child sexual abuse cases.
President Emmanuel Macron warned that the case could erode public trust in France’s institutions.

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Story summary

Hundreds of thousands marched in 100 French cities on 4 July demanding an anti-sexual-violence law after the rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna.
Organisers called for a “360-degree” law covering prevention, judicial response and victim support.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin apologized for a “huge failure” and set a 14 July deadline to review 70,000 child sexual abuse cases.
President Emmanuel Macron warned that the case could erode public trust in France’s institutions.