PARIS, Oct. 20, 2025 — The trial of Dahbia Benkired, a 27‑year‑old Algerian national, opened in Paris this week over the killing of Lola Daviet, whose body was discovered in a suitcase in October 2022. The case, described by prosecutors as one of “extreme cruelty,” has shocked France and drawn widespread public and political attention.
The Crime
Investigators allege that Benkired lured the girl into her apartment following a dispute with the child’s mother, who worked as a caretaker in the same building. According to court testimony, the accused subjected Lola to torture and sexual assault before suffocating her with duct tape. The girl’s body was later found bound and concealed in a suitcase near the family’s residence in northeast Paris.
Court Proceedings
At the opening of the trial, Benkired admitted to her actions and expressed remorse, apologising to the victim’s family for what she called her “horrible” crime. Prosecutors, however, emphasized the premeditated and sadistic nature of the attack, presenting forensic evidence of multiple injuries inflicted with scissors and a box cutter.
Public Reaction
The killing sparked national outrage when it first came to light, with vigils held across France in memory of Lola. The case has also been seized upon by far‑right political groups, who have linked the crime to broader debates on immigration and security, given that Benkired had overstayed her visa and ignored an expulsion order.
Broader Implications
Human rights advocates have cautioned against politicizing the tragedy, stressing that the focus should remain on justice for the victim and her family. Legal experts note that the trial will test France’s ability to balance due process, public anger, and political pressures in a case that has become emblematic of wider social tensions.
Next Steps
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with testimony from investigators, medical experts, and the victim’s family. If convicted, Benkired faces a potential life sentence under French law.
Summary: The murder of 12‑year‑old Lola Daviet has become one of France’s most disturbing criminal cases in recent years. As the trial unfolds, it continues to stir grief, political debate, and questions about justice and public safety.
Sources: Verified reports from AFP, RFI, The Telegraph, and French court proceedings.
