Latest news with #HoteldePourtales
See - Sada Elbalad
24-05-2025
- See - Sada Elbalad
Verdict Announced in Kim Kardashian Heist Trial
Yara Sameh Eight people were found guilty on Friday after US reality TV star Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint of millions of dollars' worth of jewellery in Paris nearly a decade ago. The four who took part in the heist were given sentences of up to eight years, mostly suspended, and they will not return to prison because of time served, while two people were acquitted. Nine men and one woman were accused of carrying out or aiding the armed burglary of $10 million worth of jewellery, including a diamond engagement ring, during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. "The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family," Kardashian said in a statement after the verdicts. "While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all." Kardashian's lawyers said in a statement, "looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her, as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves". On the night between 3 and 4 October 2016, as Kardashian was in her room at the Hotel de Pourtales in central Paris, a gang of men made their way into the building. DNA evidence for Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, and Yunice Abbas, 71, placed them at the scene of the crime, and the two have admitted their involvement. Khedache, who is now disabled, deaf and mute, was sentenced to eight years in prison, five of which were suspended. Due to time already served, he will not return to prison, like all the others convicted. Abbas, who has Parkinson's disease and recently underwent heart surgery, was sentenced to seven years' jail with five suspended, alongside Didier Dubreucq. The fourth member of the robbery gang, Marc-Alexandre Boyer, 35, was given the same sentence. With most of those convicted now in their 60s and 70s, the group has been dubbed the "Grandpa robbers" by French media. But since the beginning of the trial in April, both prosecutors and civil parties have vigorously pushed back against notions that the robbers were harmless. Prosecutor General Anne-Dominique Merville had urged the jury not to be swayed by their age and health conditions, describing the defendants as "seasoned robbers" when they carried out the heist. But the sentences handed out were much lower than prosecutors were seeking. "The sentences are quite lenient; I understand that you understand that you have caused harm," Judge David De Pas told the defendants as he delivered the verdicts. He said that "the state of health of the main protagonists ethically prohibits incarcerating anyone. It would have been unjust to take you to prison this evening." Kardashian told the court earlier this month that she forgave Khedache after receiving a letter of apology from him. "I do appreciate the letter for sure. I do appreciate it, I forgive you," she said. What happened during the heist? During the trial, Kardashian recounted the events of that evening. She said she retired to her hotel room at around 03:00 when two masked gunmen wearing police uniforms burst in, dragging with them the hotel's receptionist, who had been bound and gagged. She managed to call her bodyguard before one of the men took her phone from her. They snatched her engagement ring, which had been lying on the bedside table, and then "picked me up off the bed and grabbed me and took me down the hallway to look for more jewellery". One of the men held a gun to her back, and she was thrown onto the bed, her hands bound with zip ties. At this point, she told the concierge, "Please translate to them that I have babies, I have to make it home." One of the men then pulled her towards him, which opened her robe, under which she wasn't wearing anything. She told the court she was afraid she was going to be raped, but then her legs were tied together. A gun was pointed at her, and she said she believed she was going to die. The robbers then took the jewellery and dashed out of the suite, leaving Kardashian in the bathroom. After managing to free herself with the help of her friend and stylist Simone Harouche, she ran out onto the balcony to call for help. Kardashian said she was worried the men would return, and that when Parisian police turned up, she couldn't trust them because the robbers had also been wearing police uniforms. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Robbery gang guilty over Kim Kardashian heist in Paris
Eight people have been found guilty after US reality TV star Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint of millions of dollars' worth of jewellery in Paris nearly a decade ago. The four who took part in the heist were given prison sentences of up to eight years, but most of these terms were suspended. Two people were acquitted. Nine men and one woman were accused of carrying out or aiding the armed burglary of $10m (£7.55m) worth of jewellery, including a diamond engagement ring, during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. "The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family," Kardashian said in a statement following the verdicts. "While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all." On the night between 3 and 4 October 2016, as Kardashian was in her room at the Hotel de Pourtales in central Paris, a gang of men made their way into the building. DNA evidence for Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, and Yunice Abbas, 71, placed them at the scene of the crime, and the two have admitted their involvement. Khedache was sentenced to eight years in prison on Friday, five of which were suspended. Abbas, meanwhile, was sentenced to seven years jail with five suspended, alongside Didier Dubreucq. The fourth member of the robbery gang, Marc-Alexandre Boyer, 35, was given the same sentence. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Verdict expected in Kim Kardashian heist trial in Paris
A verdict is due in the trial of 10 people accused of robbing US celebrity Kim Kardashian of millions of dollars' worth of jewellery in Paris nearly a decade ago. Nine men and one woman are accused of carrying out or aiding the armed burglary of £10m (£7.55m) worth of jewellery, including a diamond engagement ring, during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. Prosecutors are seeking a 10-year sentence for four of the men accused of carrying out the robbery, and between eight and six years for the five other men and woman accused of being accessories to the crime. The defendants delivered their final statements in court and were dismissed on Friday morning, with a verdict expected later in the day. Many of the defendants are now elderly and unwell, leading French media to dub them the "grandpa robbers". But since the trial started on 28 April, both prosecutors and civil parties have vigorously pushed back against the notion that the alleged robbers were harmless, with Kardashian stating the heist – during which she was tied up and held at gunpoint – had left her traumatised. Prosecutor general Anne-Dominique Merville said the sentences should reflect the "seriousness" and the "violence" of the robbery. She urged the jury not to be swayed by the age and the health conditions of the defendants who – at the time of the heist – were "seasoned robbers". On the night between 3 and 4 October 2016, as Kardashian was in her room at the Hotel de Pourtales in central Paris, a gang of five men made their way into the building. As three kept guard downstairs, two forced receptionist Abderrahmane Ouatiki – now also a plaintiff in the case – to take them to Kardashian's room and act as translator as they demanded she hand over her jewellery, including an engagement ring worth $4m. Then, they fled. The defendants were arrested by police in January 2017, but the jewellery was never found. DNA evidence for Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, and Yunice Abbas, 71, placed them at the scene of the crime, and the two have admitted their involvement. However, Khedache – who is now disabled, deaf and mute – has denied he was the ringleader. Although he admitted he was one of the two who went into Kardashian's room, pointed a gun at her and tied her up, he said he was never violent, "least of all with a woman". His lawyers urged the jury to bear in mind his health condition and said that there was no risk of him reoffending. "At his age, prison time means a life sentence," lawyer Frank Berton said. Abbas, who has Parkinson's disease and recently underwent heart surgery, told the jury on Friday morning that regretted his actions. "I'm sorry for what I was capable of doing," he said. Among the other defendants was a man who worked as a driver for the Kardashian family. He denies providing information on their movements to the robbers and another man who prosecutors say was the getaway driver. Last week, during an emotional five-hour testimony delivered through an interpreter, Kim Kardashian shared her traumatic memories of that night. She was composed but at times struggled to fight back tears as she recalled the moment she feared the robbers would sexually assault her. "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 metres away from the defendants and dabbing her eyes with a tissue. Kardashian also said among the jewellery taken from her was a watch that her late father had gifted her. "I can't get that back, it wasn't just jewellery... someone took away my memories," she stated. When the court president, David De Pas, read out a letter written of apology written by Khedache, Kardashian said that she forgave him. However, she said it could not erase the trauma she had experienced. Night receptionist Abderrahmane Ouatiki, the other plaintiff in the case, was present in court throughout the trial. Since the heist, the Algerian former PhD student has experienced PTSD, quit his studies and left France. In his closing arguments, his lawyer said that while it was "harder to be a victim when one is anonymous and poor" and that "not everyone can afford to be surrounded by bodyguards to sleep better", he believed justice could finally "restore the balance".
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Verdict expected in Kim Kardashian heist trial in Paris
A verdict is due in the trial of 10 people accused of robbing US celebrity Kim Kardashian of millions of dollars' worth of jewellery in Paris nearly a decade ago. Nine men and one woman are accused of carrying out or aiding the armed burglary of £10m (£7.55m) worth of jewellery, including a diamond engagement ring, during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. Prosecutors are seeking a 10-year sentence for four of the men accused of carrying out the robbery, and between eight and six years for the five other men and woman accused of being accessories to the crime. The defendants delivered their final statements in court and were dismissed on Friday morning, with a verdict expected later in the day. Many of the defendants are now elderly and unwell, leading French media to dub them the "grandpa robbers". But since the trial started on 28 April, both prosecutors and civil parties have vigorously pushed back against the notion that the alleged robbers were harmless, with Kardashian stating the heist – during which she was tied up and held at gunpoint – had left her traumatised. Prosecutor general Anne-Dominique Merville said the sentences should reflect the "seriousness" and the "violence" of the robbery. She urged the jury not to be swayed by the age and the health conditions of the defendants who – at the time of the heist – were "seasoned robbers". On the night between 3 and 4 October 2016, as Kardashian was in her room at the Hotel de Pourtales in central Paris, a gang of five men made their way into the building. As three kept guard downstairs, two forced receptionist Abderrahmane Ouatiki – now also a plaintiff in the case – to take them to Kardashian's room and act as translator as they demanded she hand over her jewellery, including an engagement ring worth $4m. Then, they fled. The defendants were arrested by police in January 2017, but the jewellery was never found. DNA evidence for Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, and Yunice Abbas, 71, placed them at the scene of the crime, and the two have admitted their involvement. However, Khedache – who is now disabled, deaf and mute – has denied he was the ringleader. Although he admitted he was one of the two who went into Kardashian's room, pointed a gun at her and tied her up, he said he was never violent, "least of all with a woman". His lawyers urged the jury to bear in mind his health condition and said that there was no risk of him reoffending. "At his age, prison time means a life sentence," lawyer Frank Berton said. Abbas, who has Parkinson's disease and recently underwent heart surgery, told the jury on Friday morning that regretted his actions. "I'm sorry for what I was capable of doing," he said. Among the other defendants was a man who worked as a driver for the Kardashian family. He denies providing information on their movements to the robbers and another man who prosecutors say was the getaway driver. Last week, during an emotional five-hour testimony delivered through an interpreter, Kim Kardashian shared her traumatic memories of that night. She was composed but at times struggled to fight back tears as she recalled the moment she feared the robbers would sexually assault her. "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 metres away from the defendants and dabbing her eyes with a tissue. Kardashian also said among the jewellery taken from her was a watch that her late father had gifted her. "I can't get that back, it wasn't just jewellery... someone took away my memories," she stated. When the court president, David De Pas, read out a letter written of apology written by Khedache, Kardashian said that she forgave him. However, she said it could not erase the trauma she had experienced. Night receptionist Abderrahmane Ouatiki, the other plaintiff in the case, was present in court throughout the trial. Since the heist, the Algerian former PhD student has experienced PTSD, quit his studies and left France. In his closing arguments, his lawyer said that while it was "harder to be a victim when one is anonymous and poor" and that "not everyone can afford to be surrounded by bodyguards to sleep better", he believed justice could finally "restore the balance".
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Kim Kardashian takes the stand: reliving the Paris robbery that stunned the world
Kim Kardashian Image: Instagram. In a gripping courtroom drama reminiscent of a high-stakes thriller, this week, Kim Kardashian took the stand in a Paris courtroom, recounting the chilling details of the terrifying robbery that left an indelible mark on her life. The reality TV star and billionaire entrepreneur faced ten defendants, dubbed the "grandpa robbers" by French media, accused of robbing her at gunpoint during Paris Fashion Week in October 2016. The case is considered one of the most significant individual robberies in France in the last two decades. On the early morning of October 3, 2016, Kardashian was staying at the luxurious Hotel de Pourtales during Paris Fashion Week when armed men, masquerading as police officers, broke into her suite. In what can only be described as a nightmare scenario, Kardashian was tied up and held hostage at gunpoint, as the robbers made off with an astonishing €10 million in jewellery. As Kardashian took the stand, in the trial that is currently being presided over by three judges and a jury of six, she revealed harrowing details of that faithful night. 'I was certain he [one of the robbers] was going to rape me,' she said. She vividly described the moments of fear and confusion, recalling how she had fallen asleep naked, her robe falling open when one of her captors pulled her across the bed. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'I absolutely did think I was going to die. I said a prayer for my family, and for my sister who would walk in [and find me] and that they would have an okay life after what they saw." She also reflected on the profound impact the incident has had on her life, declaring it a "violent act" that has led her to make significant changes in her lifestyle. No longer keeping jewellery at home and enhancing security measures, Kardashian stated that she has introduced precautions that may seem extreme to others, adding how social media's instant sharing culture has made her extra paranoid. Kardashian explained: "Being touched and picked up when you're naked is very violating." In a surprising turn of events during the trial, three of the defendants expressed messages to Kardashian, with two presenting apologies in person and one delivering a written note that Kardashian was unaware of until it was read in court. Tearfully, Kardashian chose to forgive one of the robbers. After five hours of intense questioning, Kardashian gave a sign she was feeling the pressure: a giant yawn. Amid a life lived on screens, she explained to the French court that posting on social media was part of "American culture", dubbing the posts "mini reality shows". On the fashion front, for her court appearance, Kardashian wore an all-black ensemble with several unexpected touches. She opted for a structured black blazer. The jacket featured padded shoulders, a fitted waist, and a peplum detail. She paired the plunging blazer with a long black maxi skirt with a slit up the back, a pair of black slingback heels, and black Alaïa sunglasses. She wore a large statement diamond necklace and a pair of sparkly climber earrings. Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner as they walk outside the court house in Paris. Image: Instagram This shift in style comes after Kardashian had seemingly put aside much of her extravagant jewellery due to the fear of being robbed again. Now, as she embarks on this new journey, her return to bold accessories speaks volumes about her resilience and ability to redefine herself amid challenges. Her mother, Kris Jenner, accompanied her daughter to the trial. She wore a checked blazer and black pants. The trial is set to conclude at the end of this week.
