During the hearing, Zahia, absent like Ribery and Benzema, reportedly spared the former Lyon player by revealing a private conversation, recorded without her knowledge, where she denies having a sexual relationship with Karim Benzema. Sylvain Cormier, the lawyer for Benzema, presented this revelation, stating, “We proceeded to read a private conversation of Zahia Dehar recorded without her knowledge where she confirms to her interlocutor that she did not have a sexual relationship with Karim Benzema.”
Regarding Franck Ribery, the prosecution had requested a dismissal of the case in favor of the Bayern Munich player. Ribery’s lawyer, Me Brusa, expressed confidence, emphasizing Ribery’s maturity and his belief that there is no evidence establishing knowledge of Zahia’s minority. He stated, “Seeing him dragged into criminal court by a stubborn investigating judge is very hurtful.”
Zahia’s background involves starting work as a prostitute around the age of 15-16, introduced to the profession by someone named “Abou” in 2008. Ribery has admitted to having sexual relations with Zahia but maintains that he was unaware of her status as a prostitute and her age.
The ongoing trial continues to unfold with various testimonies and evidence being presented.
