Dahbia Benkired Sentenced to Life for the Murder of 12-Year-Old Lola
In a case that has gripped France, Dahbia Benkired has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the brutal murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet in Paris. This sentence, known as “perpétuité incompressible” or real life imprisonment, is the harshest penalty in the French penal code and has never before been handed down to a woman. The verdict was delivered on Friday, October 24, 2025, by the Paris Court of Assizes, following a harrowing trial that laid bare the cruelty of the crime.
The tragic events date back to October 14, 2022, when Lola was lured to Benkired’s apartment in the 19th arrondissement under coercion. There, she was subjected to sexual assault, tortured, and ultimately killed after her airway was obstructed with adhesive tape. Following the murder, Benkired attempted to conceal her actions by placing Lola’s body in a suitcase and fleeing. The prosecution described her actions as extraordinarily cruel and emphasized the lasting trauma inflicted not only on Lola but also on her grieving family.
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During the trial, the public prosecutor painted a stark picture of Benkired’s extreme danger. At 27 years old, she was described as having personality traits that made her a high risk for recidivism. Psychiatric experts confirmed that while she displayed “psychopathic” characteristics, no underlying mental illness could absolve her of responsibility, and no treatment could fundamentally alter her personality. The prosecutor warned the jurors and magistrates, “When there is no illness, there is no treatment,” underscoring the gravity of her actions and the perceived threat to society.
The court heard that the sentence was intended not only to punish but also to protect society, prevent future crimes, and restore social balance. In his address, the prosecutor invoked Albert Camus, saying, “A man, he restrains himself. Dahbia Benkired does not restrain herself, she does not restrain herself anymore.” These words reflected the chilling nature of her crimes and the determination of the court to impose a penalty commensurate with their severity.
When the verdict was announced, Benkired offered a brief apology, saying, “I ask for forgiveness, and it is horrible what I did. That is all I have to say.” For the family of Lola, however, the sentence has been seen as a measure of justice. Clotilde Lepetit, the family’s lawyer, stated, “The sentence reflects the immensity of the harm committed. Justice has restored the memory and truth of this young girl.” Thibaut Daviet, Lola’s brother, expressed relief at the verdict, acknowledging that while it cannot bring back his sister, it has restored the truth and provided a sense of closure.
This unprecedented sentence marks a significant moment in French legal history, being the first time a woman has received life imprisonment without parole. It is a stark reminder of the severity of the crime committed and the court’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
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