Woman Receives Rare Life Sentence for Murdering French Schoolgirl Lola Daviet
A recent ruling in France has drawn national attention after a woman was sentenced to a rare whole-life term for the violent murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet. Dahbia Benkired, 27 years old, received this unprecedented penalty after a panel of judges and a jury decided its severity was warranted in light of the crime’s brutality.
Details of the Case
The crime occurred in October 2022, when Lola was discovered deceased in a plastic storage box near her apartment in northeastern Paris. Benkired, an Algerian immigrant with a prior order to leave France, was found guilty of murdering and sexually assaulting the young girl.
Background on Dahbia Benkired
- Benkired was 24 years old at the time of the crime.
- She was in France on a student visa that had expired.
- Prior to the murder, she had been ordered to leave France in July 2022.
Psychiatric evaluations labeled her as having “psychopathic” traits, although she was deemed sane. The prosecution argued for the maximum sentence, emphasizing that no treatment could alter her disturbing personality.
The Verdict
This verdict is particularly significant as it marks the first instance of a woman receiving a whole-life sentence in France, a country where such sentences are extremely rare. The decision aligns with similar penalties previously awarded to notorious individuals like serial killer Michel Fourniret and jihadist Salah Abdeslam.
Reactions from Family and Politicians
Following the verdict, Lola’s mother, Delphine Daviet, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We believed in justice and we got it.” Her brother, Thibault, emphasized that the ruling helped preserve Lola’s memory and truth.
French politicians, particularly from the right and far-right, have seized the opportunity to highlight immigration policy issues in light of this case. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the political discourse surrounding the tragedy, urging for reflection on the implications of such comments.
Conclusion
The heinous nature of Lola Daviet’s murder has sparked widespread outrage and a discussion on justice in France. With the imposition of a whole-life sentence on Dahbia Benkired, it reinforces society’s demand for accountability in cases of extreme violence and cruelty.
