PARIS — The trial proceedings have commenced against ten individuals alleged to have stolen $9 million worth of jewelry from Kim Kardashian during a terrifying gunpoint robbery in Paris in 2016.
On the opening day of the trial, jurors were selected as prosecutors prepared to hear witness testimonies related to the high-profile case.
Kardashian, a 44-year-old reality TV star turned business mogul, was in Paris for fashion week when the robbery took place.
The incident occurred at a private apartment complex known to cater to distinguished guests.
Reports indicate that five of the accused arrived on bicycles and on foot, gaining entrance to the building before holding Kardashian at gunpoint and making off with her jewelry.
The group behind this heist, referred to in local media as “the grandpa robbers,” consists of individuals mostly in their 60s and 70s.
As the case has taken years to come to trial, the age diversity in the group is notable, including the death of one defendant during this period.
Additionally, an 80-year-old defendant has had their case separated from others due to health complications.
Among those currently standing trial is Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, dubbed “Old Omar,” who is described as the mastermind behind the plot.
His son, 37-year-old Harminy, is alleged to have been the getaway driver.
Also involved are Didier “Blue Eyes” Dubreucq, 69, and Gary Madar, the 35-year-old brother of Kardashian’s Paris driver, accused of providing crucial information about Kardashian’s location.
One of the defendants, Christiane Glotin, is a 78-year-old woman believed to be an accomplice in the planning of the robbery.
At least one of the accused, Yunice Abbas, currently 72, has openly admitted his role in the crime.
Abbas authored a book in 2021 titled “I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian,” where he recounts his life story and details the robbery.
In his account, he describes being recruited months in advance to target the wife of an American rapper, only revealing her identity to himself after the crime was committed.
Abbas’ lawyer, Gabriel Dumenil, stated as he arrived at court that his client wishes to clarify his actions and voice his remorse over the incident.
“He knows what is at stake in this trial,” Dumenil added, emphasizing the significance of this opportunity for Abbas to express his truth.
Under the French legal framework, defendants do not enter formal pleas as part of the trial process.
They have the option to admit or deny guilt, yet the trial proceeds independently of their declarations.
Most criminal cases in France see judges making the final decisions, but the severity of potential sentences—exceeding 20 years—means this particular case will be tried before a jury.
Notably, no television cameras are permitted inside French courts, leading to documentation of proceedings through journalists and courtroom sketch artists.
Kardashian herself is expected to testify in court on May 13.
Previously, she recounted her harrowing experience during the robbery, which she described as a moment when she feared for her life.
In a 2017 episode of E!’s “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” she vividly recalled her panic in attempting to call 911, only to realize she didn’t know how to do so in a foreign country.
She shared that a man had come into her room, snatched the phone from her, and thrown her onto the bed, leading her to think, “this is it.”
Reports indicate that this trial is set to reveal further details of the case that shocked the world and examine the activities surrounding this infamous robbery.
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