Sonia's Courageous Role in the November 13 Attacks and Her Life in Hiding

On November 18, 2015, Sonia played a pivotal role in helping French police locate terrorists responsible for the November 13 attacks in Paris, which caused 130 deaths and hundreds of injuries. She had a close relationship with Hasna Aït Boulahcen, who was involved with Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the mastermind behind the attacks. After overhearing discussions about planned attacks, Sonia alerted authorities, which led to the identification and police raid in Saint-Denis where Abaaoud and Hasna were killed. Despite her heroism, Sonia was initially treated as a suspect during questioning and now lives under police protection with a new identity, fearing for her life.

Sonia described her post-attack life as "hellish," suffering from severe isolation and mental health struggles, including hallucinations of Hasna and Abaaoud. She maintains no regret for her actions, stating she acted with a clear conscience to prevent more violence. Her bravery was acknowledged by former President François Hollande, who suggested she deserved a secret honor for the risks she took.

Her story is portrayed in the four-episode mini-series "13 November, Sonia's Choice" on France 2, which blends documentary and fiction through interviews and dramatizations. The series reveals how her faith and humanist values motivated her, and includes testimonies from political and police figures such as Hollande and former Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. A spokesperson for the November 13 victims stated Sonia "should have received the Legion of Honor." Sonia, expressing the toll on her personal life, said, "Since November 13, I have no life. I wish to be like everyone else, with a small house, a job... but I am nobody."