The Gironde court of assizes delivered its verdict on Friday, March 28, 2025, in the chilling case of Chahinez Daoud, a woman burned alive by her husband, Mounir Boutaa, in Mérignac in 2021. This tragic event has sparked widespread outrage and highlighted the urgent need to address domestic violence.
On May 4, 2021, Mounir Boutaa, a 48-year-old Franco-Algerian mason, shot his wife in the legs with a rifle before dousing her with gasoline and igniting her. Boutaa filmed part of the horrifying act, which he claimed was meant to “punish” Daoud for an imaginary affair. This incident has been described as an extreme manifestation of domestic violence, reflecting a broader societal issue.
During the trial, Boutaa displayed a disturbing lack of remorse, maintaining that he did not intend to kill her but only wanted her to suffer. “I just wanted her to suffer a little; she made me suffer so much,” he stated. His defense centered around claims of paranoia and a belief in a conspiracy against him, asserting that he was a victim of circumstances beyond his control.
Despite his claims, the prosecution painted a starkly different picture. Prosecutor Cécile Kauffman argued that Boutaa's actions were premeditated and marked by a desire for “erasure” and “extermination.” She emphasized that his violent act not only resulted in the death of Chahinez Daoud but also left a profound impact on society, marking a significant moment in the ongoing fight against domestic violence.
In her closing arguments, Kauffman requested life imprisonment for Boutaa, citing the need for a 22-year security period. She also called for the withdrawal of his parental rights, a ban on carrying weapons, and a 10-year socio-judicial follow-up with mandatory treatment. “His crime has deeply and painfully marked our society,” Kauffman asserted, highlighting the systemic failures that allowed such violence to occur.
Experts who evaluated Boutaa described him as “paranoid” with “narcissistic traits,” suggesting that his mental state may have contributed to his violent behavior. However, they also noted his awareness of his actions, dismissing the possibility of an impulsive crime. “The act was so organized that [the accused] was aware of what he did,” a psychiatrist testified during the trial.
The trial revealed that Chahinez Daoud had previously sought help from authorities, filing a complaint against Boutaa a month and a half before her death. Tragically, this complaint was poorly recorded by a police officer who had himself been convicted of domestic violence, highlighting serious deficiencies in the system meant to protect victims.
Throughout the proceedings, Boutaa maintained an unsettling demeanor, often deflecting questions and insisting on his innocence. “It wasn’t me; it was my body,” he claimed when confronted with the gruesome details of his actions. This statement, reflecting a profound disconnect from reality, further illustrated the psychological complexities at play.
As the court deliberated, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. Family members of Chahinez Daoud expressed their grief and frustration, with her mother stating, “I cannot see the murderer before me.” The family has since initiated legal proceedings against the French state for “gross negligence,” seeking accountability for the failures that led to Chahinez's death.
Chahinez Daoud’s story is not an isolated incident but rather part of a larger narrative of domestic violence that continues to plague society. Her tragic fate has sparked renewed calls for reform in how authorities handle domestic abuse cases, with advocates arguing for better protections and support systems for victims.
As the verdict was announced, many in the courtroom felt a mix of relief and sorrow. While Boutaa was sentenced to life in prison, the damage inflicted on Daoud's family and the broader community remains a painful reminder of the urgent need for change. “There is a before and after Chahinez,” Kauffman remarked, acknowledging the significant impact this case has had on public consciousness regarding domestic violence.
The case of Chahinez Daoud serves as a critical reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence in all its forms. As society grapples with these issues, it is imperative to ensure that victims receive the support they need and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The hope is that through increased awareness and improved systems, future tragedies can be prevented.
