The Blois Correctional Tribunal was marked by a sudden pause in the proceedings of the 'A10 Highway Martyr' trial. The prosecution, 72-year-old Halima El Bakhti, collapsed directly in the courtroom immediately after a series of graphic photographs resulting from the autopsy of her daughter, Inass Touloub, were projected. [4] [3]
The photographs, which illustrated the extremely grave physical condition of the 4-year-old girl discovered on the side of the A10 highway in August 1987, caused a major emotional impact. According to reports from the French press, Halima El Bakhti watched most of the images, observing her daughter's face stained with blood, with open wounds and multiple scars. Overwhelmed emotionally, the defendant leaned towards the floor, her head buried in her hands, before physically collapsing and losing consciousness. [3]
The event led to a partial evacuation and a suspension of the hearing. The courtroom was temporarily emptied, and medical intervention teams attended to the defendant, transporting her to the hospital for examinations. The presence of minors in the audience had already been prohibited prior to the screening of the photographs, to protect their privacy and psychological health. Jurors and other attendees described the atmosphere as dominated by an 'oppressive silence'. The Public Ministry later confirmed that the woman had recovered. [4] [3]
Before the critical moment, forensic expert Pauline Saint-Martin testified regarding the violence suffered. She mentioned the presence of 'approximately twenty bites', fractures incompatible with a simple accident, lesions compatible with burns, and 'nipple biting'. Dr. Saint-Martin concluded that Inass Touloub had suffered 'multiple and repeated acts of violence over time', up until the final hours or days, possibly several months before death. The injuries were distributed even on areas of the body exposed outside clothing. [4] [3]
The trial concerns Halima El Bakhti, accused of acts of torture and barbarism leading to death, and her ex-husband, 74-year-old Ahmed Touloub, accused of complicity. The jury's decision is scheduled for November 13-18, with both defendants facing the risk of life imprisonment.
- Categories:
- Justice
Sources
- 20 Minutes Martyre de l'A10 : L’accusée s’effondre devant les photos de l’autopsie et la liste des sévices subis par sa fille
- ndtv.com 'A Stab In My Chest': Kerala Mercedes Crash Victim's Daughter On Bail To Accused's Judge Father
- 20 Minutes Martyre de l'A10 : L’accusée s’effondre devant les photos de l’autopsie et la liste des sévices subis par sa fille
- lefigaro.fr Procès de la «martyre de l’A10» : l’accusée fait un malaise après la diffusion des photos de l’autopsie, la salle évacuée
