Lyhanna case: Bobigny court overwhelmed by 3,000 procedures involving sexual violence against minors
The death of Lyhanna, aged 5, has highlighted the difficulties facing Bobigny court. The court is accumulating nearly 3,000 cases of sexual violence against minors awaiting examination and must now prioritise cases according to severity.
Lyhanna case: Bobigny court overwhelmed by 3,000 procedures involving sexual violence against minors
The death of Lyhanna, a five-year-old child found lifeless in early June in Pantin, has shaken public opinion and highlighted the difficulties facing Bobigny court. This jurisdiction is dealing with a flow of nearly 3,000 procedures relating to sexual violence against minors that have not yet been examined.
To cope with this accumulation, magistrates have adopted a sorting strategy. Situations presenting the highest level of danger are now processed first. Other cases, considered less urgent, will follow according to available resources. This approach aims to direct limited means towards the most alarming cases.
The Pantin tragedy has reignited questions about child protection in France. The girl had been returned to her mother by a court decision, despite previous warnings of possible abuse. Her death prompted a shock wave and numerous criticisms directed at services responsible for protecting children at risk.
Bobigny court illustrates a broader reality. Many French courts are experiencing a continuous increase in reports of sexual violence against minors. Insufficient staffing and the complexity of procedures compound the delays. The time needed to examine these files is lengthening, which may compromise the safety of victims.
Bobigny judges are counting on this prioritisation to improve the handling of emergencies. They nevertheless acknowledge that this method does not address the structural shortcomings of a justice system lacking resources. Additional recruitment and streamlining of procedures appear essential to handle all these cases within acceptable timeframes.
Source: Radio France
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)