Liyana case: Camille Kouchner criticizes response to sexual violence

Paris – June 16, 2026: Law professor Camille Kouchner strongly criticized the response to sexual violence in the case of the 11-year-old girl Liana and demanded fundamental institutional reforms. Liana disappeared at the end of May 2026 in the southwestern French town of Fleurance and was found dead a few days later. The main suspect, Jérôme Barella (41), had previously been reported multiple times for sexual offenses against minors but was never investigated.

Kouchner, who has been active in addressing sexual crime issues, saw the Liana case as evidence of a structural failure in the authorities’ and judiciary’s sexual violence response system. She argued that comprehensive system reform is necessary to prevent future tragedies and continuously improve child protection.

In response to widespread public outrage over the case, the French government announced it would review laws related to sexual offenses and strengthen them if necessary. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that measures are being developed to increase multiple offenders’ sentences to life imprisonment, enhancing deterrence and protection.

Additionally, a parliamentary investigation committee has been requested. This committee will investigate the authorities’ failures in the Liana case, analyze procedures, and prepare recommendations for preventive measures and organizational changes. The main goal is to identify systemic weaknesses and clarify accountability.

The Liana case has sparked a broad social debate in France beyond legal issues. Numerous organizations, politicians, and child protection experts are calling for large-scale structural changes to strengthen the protection of minors and restore judicial trust.

The current situation demonstrates the urgent need to close gaps in sexual violence prevention, fact-finding, and prosecution processes. Only thorough reforms, adequate resources, and efficient inter-agency cooperation can ensure that cases like Liana’s never happen again.

The upcoming political discussions will have a decisive impact on legislative measures France will implement in the coming months and years. Strong reactions and demands from civil society are pressuring the government and parliament to act swiftly and effectively.

Overall, France faces the challenge of establishing a reliable and effective system to protect children from sexual violence. The Liana case shows that this is not merely a legal issue but a social challenge that requires determination and insight.