A landmark trial in Paris is approaching its conclusion, with a verdict expected soon regarding the robbery of reality TV star Kim Kardashian in 2016, which involved the theft of approximately £10 million (around $13 million) worth of jewellery. The case involves ten defendants, comprising nine men and one woman, who face charges ranging from armed robbery to accessory culpability for their roles in the shocking crime that unfolded during Paris Fashion Week.
Prosecutors have proposed a severe sentence of ten years for four of the main defendants involved in the robbery. Meanwhile, suggestions for the other five range from six to eight years. The closing statements were delivered recently, and the jury is anticipated to announce its verdict shortly.
Although many of the defendants are in their later years and suffer from various health issues, a phrase circulating in French media has labeled them the "grandpa robbers." Nevertheless, the prosecution highlighted the severity of the crime, emphasizing that the alleged robbers should not be seen as harmless due to their age. Kardashian herself provided a harrowing testimony of the event, describing how she was held at gunpoint and left traumatized from the ordeal.
On the night of the incident, the assailants broke into the luxury Hotel de Pourtales in central Paris, where Kardashian was staying. With one individual serving as a lookout and others forcing the hotel receptionist to guide them to Kardashian's room, they demanded expensive items, including a diamond engagement ring valued at $4 million. They fled the scene, and while the suspects were arrested in January 2017, the stolen jewellery was never recovered.
Key evidence against Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, and Yunice Abbas, 71, linked them to the crime scene, with both admitting their roles in the robbery. Khedache has claimed he was not a ringleader, despite acknowledging his involvement. His defense team urged the jury to consider his health and age as mitigating factors, with one lawyer asserting that incarceration at this stage of life would effectively mean a life sentence.
Abbas, who suffers from health complications, expressed remorse in court, stating that he regretted his actions. Other defendants included a former driver for the Kardashian family, who is accused of supplying information to the robbers.
Kardashian's emotional testimony spanned five hours, where she described the night in vivid detail, expressing the deep psychological scars the incident has inflicted on her life. She recalled fearing for her safety, stating she would not wish such terror on anyone. Additionally, she reflected on the irreplaceable value of the stolen items, particularly a family heirloom gifted by her late father.
The court also heard from the night receptionist who was victimized alongside Kardashian. He revealed the lasting effects of the trauma he suffered as a result of the heist, and his lawyer emphasized that justice must serve to rebalance the scales for victims, not all of whom have the luxury of financial means to feel safe.
