Thousands of people gathered in Paris to demand justice following the killing of 11-year-old Lyhanna, whose body was found last week after she disappeared near the southwestern town of Fleurance.

The demonstrations came as outrage mounted over alleged judicial lapses in the handling of the suspect before the crime. Protesters criticised the French justice system and called for stronger measures to combat violence against women and children.

The rally followed France Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's refusal to resign despite growing public pressure over the case, which has sparked a nationwide debate about accountability and the treatment of abuse complaints.