Kim Kardashian Speaks Out After Verdict Is Reached in Paris Robbery Trial: 'I'll Never Forget What Happened'

Kim Kardashian is feeling relief and gratitude following the end of the trial related to her 2016 Paris robbery.

On Friday, May 23, eight of the ten defendants on trial for charges related to the robbery, where Kardashian was held at gunpoint and millions of dollars of jewelry were stolen, were found guilty, per NBC News.

Kardashian, 44, told PEOPLE in a statement following the jury’s verdict that she’s “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,” she said. “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 attorneys Michael Rhodes, Léonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattou also shared a statement with PEOPLE and said that Kardashian “appreciates the Court’s decision and once again thanks the French authorities for treating her with great respect throughout the process.”

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“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,” their statement continued.

“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.”

All of the eight suspects who were found guilty will walk free due to the fact that they have all served time previously, CNN reported.

Judge David De Pas called the sentences “quite lenient,” per the outlet.

“They were thought of a long way away from this serious event, which impacted the civil parties. You have caused harm, even if you did not strike, if blood has not been shed, you have caused fear,” De Pas said.

Kardashian testified during the trial, and told the jurors on May 13 that she “absolutely did think I was gonna die” during the ordeal, per BBC.

She said that she repeatedly told the robbers she had “babies” and needed to “get home to my babies,” NBC News reported She also said one of them told her to “shut up” at one point, per NBC News.

“I was sure that I was going to be raped,” she also said during the testimony, per NBC.

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Prior to the trial, a source told PEOPLE that the SKIMS founder had “always said that she wanted to testify in person.”

“Kim’s a bit nervous,” the source said. “This is her choice. She was terrified for her life during the robbery. She wants the people involved convicted.”