Dahbia Benkired, a 27-year-old Algerian woman with no criminal record, was sentenced to life in prison. She was jointly convicted along with a man for the aggravated rape, torture and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet in Paris. Paris Assize Court issued its decision. She still has to serve at least 30 years before she can even be considered for release.
The brutal acts that Benkired perpetrated against the minor girl opened her healing wound and shocked the country. Instead of taking Lola out and giving her the fresh start she desperately needed, Benkired made Lola shower. He subsequently forced her to perform sexual acts and acts of violence resulting in her death in a harrowing description. Following that murder, Benkired covered Lola’s body with plastic sheets and stored it in a plastic box. This horrific deed brought his animalistic tendencies into sharper focus.
Fewer than two hours after the attack, Benkired was seen exiting the university alone. She transported bulky and heavy baggage, and for that reason her guilt was presumed. The police prosecutor said that Lola Daviet died of cardiorespiratory failure. She had obvious signs of asphyxiation and cervical compression, which indicates the extreme violence that was committed against her.
In court, Benkired called her actions “horrible,” and she pleaded for forgiveness ahead of the jury’s deliberations. Her attorney, Alexandre Valois, said that the life without parole term was anticipated. He said that he had foreseen this resolution.
“We restored this young girl’s memory. We restored a shattered truth.” – Clotilde Lepetit
Immediately following the verdict, reaction came in from members of Lola’s family. It never will bring our Lola back, but ….” Her mother described the heartbreaking and tragic loss of her baby girl. Her brother suddenly felt an enormous wave of relief. He said, “I’m pleased by the response that we got from the court.
Lola Daviet’s tragic case has attracted widespread media attention and sparked important conversations about violence against children in France. Dahbia Benkired, 24, became the first woman in France to be given a life sentence without parole. She deserves this severe punishment for her egregious violations.
