Paris: A trial began in Paris on Friday for Dahbia Benkired, 27, an Algerian woman accused of causing the death of a 12-year-old girl, Lola Daviet, in a case that shocked France. Benkired apologised for her actions, calling them “horrible” and asking for forgiveness from the victim’s family.
Lola Daviet disappeared in the northeast of Paris three years ago. Her body was later discovered in a trunk in the lobby of the building where her parents worked as caretakers. The case prompted widespread attention, including debate over immigration law, after authorities found that Benkired had overstayed her student visa and had failed to comply with an earlier notice to leave France. However, the girl’s mother urged politicians not to exploit the tragedy for political gain.
Family remembers the victim
The victim’s family attended the court hearing wearing T-shirts reading: “You were the sun of our life, you will be the star of our nights.” Emotions ran high, with one woman in her fifties breaking down in tears as Benkired entered the dock.
“It’s horrible what I did. I regret it,” Benkired said, addressing the family and requesting their forgiveness.
Lola’s brother, Thibaut Daviet, urged the accused to tell “all the truth and nothing but the truth” during proceedings.
Sequence of events
Investigators reconstructed the events leading to the tragic death. Security footage showed Benkired approaching Lola as she returned from school, and then leading her into an apartment. Later, she was seen in the lobby carrying suitcases and a trunk.
Authorities said the girl died as a result of injuries inflicted inside the apartment. Benkired then placed the child in a trunk and left the building, pausing outside a café, where she reportedly provided a misleading explanation about the contents. She later convinced a friend to transport the luggage before she attempted to leave the area, leading to her arrest the following day.
Background and motive
The investigation revealed that Benkired had a difficult upbringing and had moved to France in 2013. During the inquiry, she mentioned that she had been angry with the victim’s mother over building access, which contributed to the sequence of events. Investigators also found evidence that she had conducted certain searches online days before the incident.
Legal proceedings and potential sentence
Benkired’s trial is expected to continue until next Friday. She faces the maximum penalty of life imprisonment under French law if convicted. The court proceedings are being closely followed, as the case has become a symbol of the need for vigilance and child protection.
Conclusion
The trial has brought renewed focus on child safety, parental awareness, and public responsibility in ensuring the protection of minors. Authorities and the victim’s family hope that justice will be served, while also emphasising the importance of preventing such tragedies in the future.