A 27-year-old woman from Algeria, Dahbia Benkired, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the rape, torture, and murder of a 12-year-old schoolgirl in Paris, France. This historic verdict marked the first time a woman in French history received such a punishment.
Benkired was convicted of abducting the victim, Lola Divet, raping her, and brutally killing her by slashing her throat with scissors and a box cutter. The court heard that after the horrific acts, Benkired taped Lola’s mouth, leading to her death by suffocation. The victim’s family described Benkired as a “monster devil.”
During the sentencing, Benkired remained emotionless while Lola’s mother and brother were visibly distraught. The case garnered significant public attention in France, with protesters outside the court demanding justice.
The Attorney General stated that Benkired targeted Lola for personal pleasure and gratification, emphasizing the need to protect society from Benkired’s extreme danger. The prosecution pushed for a life sentence without parole, highlighting the unimaginable suffering inflicted on Lola’s family.
Benkired’s sentence is equivalent to those given to notorious criminals like Salah Abdeslam, a member of an ISIS gang responsible for the Paris attacks in 2015. Benkired is expected to be closely monitored in a high-security prison to prevent any potential reoffending.
Lola’s mother expressed deep sorrow in court, describing the tragic loss of her daughter and the profound impact it had on their family. She lamented the abrupt change in their once peaceful family life and shared the heartbreak of not being able to protect Lola from the heinous crime committed by Benkired.
The court’s decision to impose an “irreducible life sentence” on Benkired, the strictest penalty under French law, has sparked debate among human rights organizations. The verdict reflects the severity of Benkired’s crimes and aims to ensure the safety of society from her dangerous actions.