Prosecutor Demands Life Imprisonment Without Parole for Dahbia Benkired in Lola Murder Trial

On October 24, 2025, the public prosecutor in Paris demanded life imprisonment without the possibility of parole — known in French law as "perpétuité incompressible" — for 27-year-old Dahbia Benkired. She faces charges for the brutal rape, torture, and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet, which occurred in October 2022. This sentence, the harshest under French law, aims to protect society and prevent any future crimes by the accused, who is considered extremely dangerous.

The prosecutor recounted the harrowing 97-minute ordeal during which Dahbia Benkired abducted Lola, subsequently murdering her and attempting to conceal the crime. Experts confirmed Dahbia's mental faculties were intact during the offense, underscoring the high risk of reoffending. The case has deeply affected law enforcement and experts involved. Despite calls from far-right groups outside the court for the death penalty—reflecting public outrage—Lola's family urged restraint and showed remarkable composure.

Notably, Dahbia Benkired is the first woman in France to face the "perpétuité incompressible," a sentence introduced in 1994 and rarely applied, with only five prior instances, mostly involving pedophile murderers or terrorists like Salah Abdeslam. This sentence disallows early release or reduction, though a review for possible release can occur after 30 years.

Lola's family, particularly her mother Delphine Daviet, has called Dahbia a "monster," advocating for the maximum penalty. The trial continues as France confronts the gravity of this tragic case, which marked a grim anniversary since Lola's burial three years ago.