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

Paris – 16.06.2026: The mother of Rosa, a 12-year-old student from Gers, has filed a lawsuit against the French state. The reason is the alleged rape of her daughter by Jérôme Barella, a janitor who worked in several schools in the region. The lawsuit, submitted on June 15, 2026, at the administrative court in Paris, accuses the authorities of having acted negligently in handling the serious allegations against Barella.

Rosa had already filed a complaint against Barella in 2025. Nevertheless, the investigations were carried out inadequately for a long time. It was only after the kidnapping and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna in May 2026, with Barella considered the main suspect, that the authorities conducted more intensive investigations.

Rosa’s mother expressed deep distress in a press statement regarding the behavior of the judiciary and the police. She stated that the authorities’ failure not only harmed her daughter but also other potential victims. “If decisive action had been taken back then, Lyhanna might still be alive,” she said.

At the heart of the lawsuit is the accusation that the state violated its duty to protect minors. The plaintiff demands compensation for the damage suffered as well as a public apology from the responsible authorities. Furthermore, she calls for a comprehensive investigation into internal procedures to prevent future failures.

The lawsuit has broad public support. Numerous citizens have initiated fundraising campaigns to support the family with the incurred legal costs. A supporter commented, “It is a scandal when such crimes are not taken seriously enough.”

So far, the authorities have not commented on the lawsuit. Rosa’s family hopes for a swift and fair court decision that will benefit not only their daughter but also other potential victims.

The case has once again sparked a debate over the handling of sexual abuse cases in France. Despite multiple reports against Barella, police and judiciary showed reluctance. Only after the tragic act involving Lyhanna were comprehensive investigations launched. Civil society organizations have long been calling for reforms to better protect minors and to ensure more consistent prosecution of offenders.

The plaintiff hopes that her lawsuit will also restore trust in the justice system and strengthen the protection of children. The initiative is seen as an important step to encourage authorities to act more sensitively and decisively in the future.