A 27-year-old Algerian woman, Dahbia Benkired, has been given a historic sentence in France. She was convicted of raping, torturing, and murdering a 12-year-old schoolgirl named Lola Divet in Paris. Benkired, labeled a “monster devil” by the victim’s family, abducted Lola, sexually assaulted her, and then fatally suffocated her after inflicting further harm.
During the sentencing, Benkired remained stoic, while Lola’s mother and brother were visibly emotional. The court learned that Benkired silenced Lola before her death. The case attracted significant public attention, with demonstrators calling for harsh penalties, including the death penalty.
The Attorney General stated that Benkired targeted Lola for her own pleasure and should be imprisoned for life without parole due to her extreme danger to society. This so-called “irreducible life sentence” is the most severe punishment under French law but has faced criticism from human rights organizations.
Lola’s mother, Delphine Daviet, expressed deep sorrow in court, recounting the tragic events that shattered their family. She described the simple life they had before Lola’s abduction, highlighting the devastating impact of losing her daughter to such a heinous crime. Daviet reflected on the guilt and pain she, her husband, and son feel, questioning why their family had to endure such a tragedy.
Benkired’s sentencing sets a precedent in French legal history, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims of such horrific crimes.
