Kim Kardashian is finally getting some justice after her Paris robbery — but the verdict isn’t exactly what most people might’ve expected!
On Friday, a Paris court found the ringleader of the robbery and seven other people guilty — but NO ONE will face jail time! What??
As Perezcious readers know, the reality star was asleep in nothing but a robe when her hotel room was broken into in October 2016 during Paris Fashion Week. She was held at gunpoint as she was robbed of millions worth of jewelry, including an engagement ring from her then-husband Kanye West (and only one necklace has been recovered after the crime). She testified in court earlier this month, saying she feared she would be raped during the horrifying incident. So, so awful!
Related: Kim Kardashian FINALLY Did It! After YEARS! Look!
Out of ten defendants, four men were facing 10 years in prison while five other men and one woman were accused of being accessories to the crime and faced 6-8 years. There were two other original suspects, but one died just before the trial and another was deemed unfit to stand trial due to Alzheimer’s disease.
According to The Associated Press, the leader of the operation, Aomar “Old Omar” Aït Khedache, 69, was sentenced to 8 years with 5 years suspended. The three others accused of the worst crimes received 7 years with 5 years suspended, as well. Per CNN, four others also received prison sentences. Because of their time served in pretrial detention, none of the convicted felons will be locked up. Wow!
Meanwhile, two other individuals were acquitted — though one was found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm, according to the NYT. CNN reported that one was ordered to pay $5,682 to the civil parties in the trial, including Kim and the concierge of the rental apartment building.
The AP noted that Chief Judge David De Pas explained the ages of the defendants (most were in their 60s and 70s, earning them the nickname “Grandpa Robbers”) and the nearly 10 years it took from the incident until the trial weighed into the decision not to go harsher on the sentences.
Three judges and six jurors heard the case. Before the verdict was announced, the ringleader apologized to Kim and asked for forgiveness. She remarkably already forgave him during her testimony, saying:
“I do appreciate the letter, I forgive you for what has taken place, but it doesn’t change the emotion and the feelings and the trauma the way my life is forever changed.”
She was not there in person to hear the verdict announced but she shared in a statement obtained by the AP:
“I am deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case. The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family. While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all. I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system.”
Her legal team added per CNN:
“Kim appreciates the court’s decision and once again thanks the French authorities for treating her with great respect throughout the process. It has been a long journey from that terrible night back in 2016 to her standing courageously in a historic Paris courtroom to confront these criminals. She 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.”
It must be a relief to finally move on from this…
Thoughts? Did you expect harsher sentences?? Let us know (below).
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