Dozens of people gathered outside a Paris courthouse on Friday as 27-year-old Dahbia Benkired, an Algerian migrant, faced the final day of a six-day trial over the brutal killing of 12-year-old schoolgirl Lola Daviet. Protesters held placards demanding the death penalty and chanted for the harshest possible sentence.

Benkired is charged with luring the child into her flat on October 14, 2022, and later sexually assaulting, torturing and killing her. Prosecutors say the attack was exceptionally violent and have described the acts as constituting torture and barbarity. The court heard forensic evidence that Lola suffered multiple stab wounds and died of asphyxia; medical experts also reported injuries consistent with sexual violence.

In court, Benkired gave an account of the events and admitted to some acts but denied others described by forensic investigators. She told judges she had been enraged after an argument with a former partner and said she wanted to “hurt someone.” The prosecution argued the violence was deliberate and aimed at inflicting extreme physical and psychological pain.

Family members of the victim and others present were shown disturbing images during the trial; some relatives had to leave the courtroom. An expert witness described elements of the defendant’s behaviour that, he said, suggested sexual sadism.

Benkired, who has been homeless at times and reportedly earned money through sex work, remains in custody. French law does not provide for the death penalty; if convicted, she faces life imprisonment. The verdict is expected to be delivered later today.