Algerian Woman Faces Trial for Rape and Murder of 12-Year-Old Girl

An Algerian woman, Dahbia Benkired, is currently on trial in Paris, accused of the rape and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet. The case has shocked France and ignited a political debate surrounding immigration laws, particularly as Benkired was found to have overstayed her visa. The trial began on March 15, 2024, and has drawn significant media attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and its implications for public safety and immigration policy.

On October 14, 2022, Lola went missing in the northeastern area of Paris. Her body was discovered in a trunk in the lobby of an apartment building where her parents worked as caretakers. This discovery prompted widespread outrage, and conservative politicians have since used the incident to advocate for stricter immigration enforcement. Benkired’s status as an undocumented immigrant has fueled calls for legislative change.

Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. Lola’s family attended the proceedings wearing white T-shirts emblazoned with a smiling photograph of the girl and the poignant words: “You were the sun of our life, you will be the star of our nights.” Delphine Daviet, Lola’s mother, stated, “I am waiting for justice to be done,” reflecting the family’s pain and desire for closure.

During the trial, Benkired expressed remorse for her actions. “I apologise to the whole family,” she said in a monotone voice, adding, “It’s horrible what I did. I regret it.” After evaluations confirmed her competence to stand trial, it was revealed that mental health experts noted her “manipulative behaviour” but found no significant psychiatric disorders.

The investigation revealed disturbing details about the events leading to Lola’s death. Witnesses reported seeing Benkired carrying suitcases and a heavy trunk shortly after the crime. Security footage showed her luring Lola into her sister’s flat before the assault occurred. Benkired allegedly used scissors and a box cutter to inflict harm and bound Lola with duct tape, resulting in asphyxia.

Benkired’s actions after the crime further raised suspicions. She reportedly told a bystander that she was “selling a kidney” when questioned about her heavy trunk. Following the murder, she fled but was apprehended the following day.

In court, Benkired described a troubled upbringing, moving between Algeria and France, and spoke about a violent family background. She claimed to have experienced sexual abuse at a young age. After moving to France in 2013, she struggled with homelessness and a lack of stable employment. Her life spiraled further after the death of her mother in 2020, which she described as a significant turning point.

In the days leading up to the crime, Benkired reportedly searched online for information related to witchcraft. These details, along with her troubled past, have complicated the narrative surrounding the case.

The trial is expected to conclude on March 22, 2024, with Benkired facing a potential life sentence if convicted. The case continues to attract attention not only for its horrific details but also for the political ramifications it has provoked regarding immigration and public safety.

Anti-immigration activists have rallied around the case, with the group Les Natifs displaying banners and making statements linking immigration to violence against women. As the trial unfolds, the discussions surrounding it are likely to intensify, reflecting broader societal concerns about safety, justice, and immigration policy in France.