Mother of Rosa Sues the State Following Rape Allegations Against Jérôme Barella

Paris – 17.06.2026: The mother of Rosa, a 12-year-old schoolgirl from Gers, filed a lawsuit against the French state on June 9, 2026. She accuses the authorities of failing to act adequately despite repeated rape allegations against Jérôme Barella. Barella, a 41-year-old man, had already been accused by Rosa in August 2025 of sexually abusing her. Despite these accusations, he was never questioned or arrested.

The lawsuit targets the state, the investigative authorities, and then Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. The mother argues that the authorities’ inaction directly led to the death of Lyhanna, another victim of Barella. Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl, disappeared on May 29, 2026, and was later found dead. Barella was charged with kidnapping and unlawful detention in this case.

The suit for serious dereliction of duty before the competent court aims to hold those responsible for the mishandling of Rosa’s and Lyhanna’s cases accountable. This legal action is reminiscent of the Éric Mouzin case, who in 2025 filed a similar lawsuit against the state for failures in the case of his daughter Estelle Mouzin.

Rosa’s mother emphasized that despite clear evidence of rape by Barella, no measures were taken. She stated: “The justice system did not do its job, so I will do mine.”

This case once again raises questions about the effectiveness of the French justice system in handling sexual abuse cases. Despite repeated warnings and complaints, no sufficient steps were taken to protect further victims. Public outrage over the authorities’ inaction is growing, especially following the tragic death of Lyhanna.

The lawsuit filed by Rosa’s mother could have far-reaching impacts on judicial practice in France and lead to increased awareness of how sexual abuse cases are managed. It remains to be seen how the courts will respond to this lawsuit and whether it will contribute to reforms in the justice system.

Rosa’s family hopes that these legal proceedings will improve the treatment of future sexual abuse cases and ensure perpetrators are more consistently prosecuted. They are demanding a thorough investigation of the allegations and appropriate compensation for the trauma suffered.

The public now expects a swift and fair response from the judiciary to restore confidence in the legal system and provide victims of sexual abuse with the protection and support they deserve.