Protests in 110 French Cities Following Death of 11-Year-Old Girl

PARIS, France — Protests erupted in approximately 110 cities across France following the rape and murder of 11-year-old Liana. The girl disappeared on May 29 in the town of Florans in the southwest, and her body was recovered last month. The suspect has been identified as the 41-year-old father of one of the victim's schoolmates. Reports indicate the suspect had previously faced two charges of child rape, though those investigations were either dropped or halted. On Saturday, demonstrators marched in cities including Paris, Dijon, and Toulouse. Organizers estimated that 100,000 people participated in the Paris march, where protesters called for better protection of children. Anne-Cécile Mailfer, President of the Women's Foundation, criticized the justice system, stating that 94% of rape complaints are dismissed without action. A coalition of 180 associations is now demanding comprehensive legislation against sexual violence. President Emmanuel Macron noted that failures in the investigation could weaken public trust in state institutions.