Lola Murder Trial: Dahbia Benkired Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

Dahbia Benkired has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 12-year-old Lola. This landmark trial took place from October 17 to October 24, 2025, at the Assize Court of Paris. The case has elicited significant public and media attention, highlighting critical issues surrounding the protection of minors and severe crimes in France.

Dahbia Benkired Sentenced for Lola’s Murder

On October 24, 2025, the court handed down its verdict after six days of proceedings. Dahbia Benkired, aged 27, was found guilty of both “murder of a minor under 15” and “rape committed against a minor with torture or acts of barbarity.” This ruling marks a historical first in the French judicial system, as it is the harshest sentence ever imposed on a woman.

Details of the Crime

The heinous crimes occurred on October 14, 2022, when Benkired tortured and killed Lola. The severity of her actions led the court to declare a strict indefinite security period associated with her life sentence, limiting any possibility of early release. The court maintained that Benkired must serve a minimum of thirty years before she can seek any form of sentence review.

Judicial Process

The verdict was announced by a panel of three judges and six jurors, following a prosecution that detailed the 97 minutes of terror endured by Lola. The prosecutor described the assault, citing the infliction of 38 blows upon the child, characterizing it as a clear act of torture. The defense lawyer, Alexandre Valois, attempted to present extenuating circumstances, arguing that his client was a victim of her own past traumas.

Legal Precedents and Sentencing

• Life sentences with an indefinite security period have been rarely awarded since their introduction in 1994, with only four cases involving child murder coupled with torture.
• This is the first instance of such a sentence being given to a woman in France.

The prosecution emphasized the gravity of Benkired’s actions, asserting they violated fundamental societal values, such as life and human dignity. In contrast, the defense painted a picture of a troubled individual shaped by past abuse and suffering, though ultimately, this argument failed to sway the jury.

Conclusion

The Lola murder trial has not only drawn attention to the protection of minors but also to the complexities of justice in cases involving severe abuse and violence. Dahbia Benkired will remain incarcerated, representing a significant moment in France’s judicial history regarding the treatment of female offenders.