The trial of Dahbia Benkired, a 27-year-old Algerian woman accused of raping and murdering 12-year-old Lola Daviet, continued this week before the Paris Assize Court. The case, which shocked France when it came to light in 2022, has reopened painful memories and renewed debate over immigration and public safety.
Lola’s body was discovered in a suitcase in the lobby of her parents’ apartment building in northeastern Paris, where both worked as caretakers. Benkired, who had overstayed her residence permit and ignored an order to leave French territory, was arrested shortly afterwards.
During the hearings, Benkired apologised to the court, describing her actions as “horrible.” According to the indictment, she gained the child’s trust before luring her into her sister’s apartment, where she raped her, assaulted her with a knife and scissors, and suffocated her with duct tape.
Psychiatric experts testified that while Benkired appeared confused during questioning, she showed no signs of mental illness. They said she remained lucid throughout the events but demonstrated manipulative behaviour.
In court, the defendant was largely unemotional, even as distressing evidence was shown. Lola’s mother, Delphine Daviet, left the courtroom in tears after viewing video recordings presented by the prosecution.
Investigators told the court that Benkired had searched online for information about witchcraft in the days leading up to the murder and was a regular cannabis user. They also said that a dispute with the victim’s mother—who had refused to issue her a new access card to the building—may have triggered her anger.
The case has reignited public and political tensions. Right-wing lawmakers have cited the killing as evidence of failures in immigration enforcement, while the victim’s family has asked politicians not to use the tragedy for political ends.
The trial is expected to conclude by the end of next week. If convicted, Dahbia Benkired faces life imprisonment.
