Verdict expected in Kim Kardashian heist trial in Paris

In Paris, a significant trial is taking place concerning the robbery of Kim Kardashian, a well-known American celebrity, who was robbed of millions of dollars' worth of jewelry nearly a decade ago. The trial involves ten individuals, nine men and one woman, who are accused of participating in this armed burglary that occurred during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. The stolen items included a diamond engagement ring valued at four million dollars, among other expensive pieces. Prosecutors are advocating for severe penalties, seeking ten-year prison sentences for four of the men directly involved in the robbery, while the other five defendants, who are considered accessories to the crime, face sentences ranging from six to eight years. The defendants presented their final statements in court and were dismissed, with a verdict anticipated later that day. Many of the accused are elderly and in poor health, leading to their being referred to as the 'grandpa robbers' by the French media. However, both the prosecutors and Kim Kardashian have strongly opposed the idea that these individuals are harmless. Kardashian testified that the robbery left her traumatized, as she was tied up and threatened at gunpoint during the incident. Prosecutor Anne-Dominique Merville emphasized that the sentences should reflect the seriousness and violence of the crime, urging the jury to disregard the defendants' age and health issues, noting that they were experienced criminals at the time of the heist. On the night of October 3, 2016, Kim Kardashian was staying at the Hotel de Pourtales in central Paris when a group of five men entered the building. While three of them kept watch downstairs, two others forced the hotel receptionist, Abderrahmane Ouatiki, to guide them to Kardashian's room and act as a translator as they demanded her jewelry. After obtaining the valuables, the robbers fled the scene. The police arrested the defendants in January 2017, but the stolen jewelry was never recovered. DNA evidence linked Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, and Yunice Abbas, 71, to the crime scene, and both have admitted their involvement. Ait Khedache, who is now disabled, deaf, and mute, has denied being the leader of the robbery. He acknowledged that he was one of the two men who entered Kardashian's room, pointed a gun at her, and restrained her, but he claimed he was never violent, especially towards a woman. His lawyers argued that the jury should consider his health condition and stated that he poses no risk of reoffending. 'At his age, prison time means a life sentence,' said his lawyer, Frank Berton. Abbas, who suffers from Parkinson's disease and recently had heart surgery, expressed remorse for his actions, stating, 'I'm sorry for what I was capable of doing. ' Among the other defendants is a man who worked as a driver for the Kardashian family, who denies providing information about their movements to the robbers, and another man accused of being the getaway driver. Last week, Kim Kardashian delivered an emotional five-hour testimony through an interpreter, sharing her traumatic memories of that night. She remained composed but struggled to hold back tears as she recounted the fear of being sexually assaulted by the robbers. 'I don't wish that kind of terror on anyone - to think you could be killed or raped. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy,' the 44-year-old said, standing just a few meters away from the defendants and wiping her eyes with a tissue. Kardashian also mentioned that among the stolen items was a watch given to her by her late father. 'I can't get that back, it wasn't just jewelry. someone took away my memories,' she stated. When the court president, David De Pas, read a letter of apology from Khedache, Kardashian said she forgave him, but emphasized that it could not erase the trauma she had experienced. The night receptionist, Abderrahmane Ouatiki, who is also a plaintiff in the case, was present throughout the trial. Since the robbery, he has suffered from PTSD, left his studies, and moved away from France. In his closing arguments, Ouatiki's lawyer pointed out that it is often harder to be a victim when one is anonymous and lacks financial resources, stating that 'not everyone can afford to be surrounded by bodyguards to sleep better. ' He expressed hope that justice could finally restore balance.