Original subtitles

24 DAYS

My name's Ruth Halimi. I have 3 children.

It was winter, getting colder,

and my life fell apart.

How could something like that happen in Paris in 2006?

Yet everything is true. All too true.

It happened to me, but it could have been anyone.

- Hello, madam. - Hello.

- Did you buy bread? - Yes.

- So they're not coming? - No. The girl's still sick.

- Hi, it's me! - Hi.

- All right? - Yes.

- OK, Mum? - My son!

Mum!

Dinner's ready.

I'll just check my e-mail.

- No, Ilan. It's ready. - Coming.

Ilan.

- What? - Be nice.

Ilan.

- Did you hear? - Yes. I'll be right there.

How was it at the store today?

The cold kept people away.

Want to go out tonight? Where to?

- Ilan! Where are you? - Coming.

- Come on. - I am.

Amen.

Shabbat shalom.

Shabbat shalom.

Yaël, why don't you work with your brother?

For 1,200 a month? No, thanks.

She's right.

It's only temporary.

- What do you want to do? - Start my own business.

Doing what?

It's a secret. But it's a really good idea.

Ask your father to help you.

No. He's too proud for that.

- Stop it. - Admit it, you're too proud.

- Go on. - Leave him be, Yaël.

- Some more? - No, it's lovely...

- It's too much. - Come on.

You have to eat. There.

I bought you some shoes. There was a sale on.

- What kind? - Boots.

Black, with a buckle.

Thanks. That's great.

This is really good.

Eat up.

- Yeah? - It's me. Shall I pick you up?

Not tonight. I'm shattered.

- How come? - I worked all day.

Come off it. It's 10pm. Are you getting old?

No. Ask Jérémy.

He's away for the weekend.

I'm not always available.

Wait, I have another call.

- Yeah. - I'll get back to you.

- Hello? - Darling, it's me.

- Yes? - I'm still at work.

- I'll be late back. - OK.

- I'll call you back. - OK.

- Hello? - Yeah?

- That was Mony. - Can't she go?

No. She's working late.

- I'm shattered... - Come on!

No, really...

I worked all day too.

Tomorrow.

OK, remember to put your nightcap on.

Asshole. Have a good night.

- Hello? - Hello, it's Emma.

- Emma? - Yes.

Ah, Emma! All right?

- Yes. Can I see you? - What, now?

- You don't want to? - Why not?

- Porte d'Orléans in half an hour? - OK.

- Great! See you there. - OK.

- See you soon. - See you soon.

- Finished, Mum? - Yes. Thanks, darling.

- Want some tea? - No, thanks.

- Where are you going? - For a walk.

- It's shabbat. - I know.

- Lunch at your sister's tomorrow. - I know.

Ilan! Wait.

What is it?

You haven't even looked at them.

Well?

They're great. Really lovely.

- The buckle... - Superb.

- They're leather inside. - Fantastic!

Bye, Sis.

- Have fun. - You too.

Hey! Ilan!

Ilan! Can you try them on?

No time. Tomorrow. Love you!

Yes.

It would've taken two minutes.

- Mony? It's me. - Are you picking me up?

No. I'm going out with Jérémy.

Afterwards?

Yes, at your place.

- OK. Love you. - Me too.

- Yeah? - Karim, it's me again.

- Know what happened? - What did you do?

- Listen to this. - Go on.

A stunner, like the ones on TV.

She came to the store. She didn't want a phone...

21 January 2006

- You don't want to eat? - I don't want to eat.

You have to eat. Noa, open your mouth.

Come on.

Mum.

Noa.

Just to please Granny.

Ilan, where are you? We've already eaten.

- A little more. - Call me.

- Blanket. - The little cow eats everything.

Well?

He's on voicemail.

It's not like your brother.

- It doesn't matter. - He said he'd come.

Just this once.

He had a good night, that's all.

Time for your nap.

No! No!

Come with Granny.

Noa, be good.

- Ilan will come. - With Granny. Come on.

Oh! Just a little nap.

Want a coffee?

- Yes, please. - I'll make it.

- Want a walnut? - No.

- Hello? - It's Mony.

Ilan didn't come last night.

I've heard nothing. He didn't come home.

I got a call from a guy who said he was a mate.

He gave me an e-mail address,

but it doesn't work.

Ilan's in trouble.

- Give me the address. - mer-855...

- What did she say? - mer855@hotmail.fr.

Again.

It's mer: m, e, r, -, 855...

@hotmail.fr.

The password is "thanks".

It doesn't work!

I don't get it.

What's going on?

- What is it? - It's Mony.

I've heard nothing from anyone.

It's downloading.

Noa's here. Look out!

Ilan!

Ilan!

What's going on? Tell me what's going on!

Tell me!

- It's Ilan. - What's happened to him?

- He's been kidnapped. - What? I don't understand.

Mony, I'll call you back.

Don't hang up! What's happening?

What does it mean?

They want a ransom.

"We have Ilan and his life is in danger.

"We want 450,000 euros to free him.

"I await your reply from the address

"mer855@hotmail.fr

"to the outgoing address

"before 7.30pm.

"If you do not co-operate, he will be held responsible."

There's a photo.

Ilan!

What's wrong?

- Let me see! - No, stop it!

What's on the photo?

He's just blindfolded and holding a paper.

We have to tell your father.

Police Headquarters, 10.40pm

Hi, this is Ilan. I'm not here. Leave a message.

Where are you?

Where are you?

Didier Halimi, H, A, L, I, M, I.

Date of birth: 5 May 1955, in Paris, 11th arrondissement.

- Nationality? - French.

- Married? - Divorced. For 20 years.

- Profession? - Shopkeeper.

"I declare

"that my son was kidnapped

"the night of Friday to Saturday..."

Yes.

"...and that I was contacted..." How many times?

About ten. I didn't count.

- I didn't recognise the number. - I understand.

Sorry to ask you this.

- Do you have a personal fortune? - No.

I have a clothes shop.

And your wife... ex-wife, sorry.

She's a secretary. So why my son?

How's your relationship with him?

We've got closer recently.

- Mr Halimi. - Yes?

- We understand your distress. - Who did it?

We'll find him, don't worry.

Telling the cops is risky.

What else can we do?

Yaël, I'm scared. They have my keys.

And yours. I saw them on the photo.

My God!

I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

What's happening, Didier?

I don't know.

- Hello, José? - Yes, Philippe.

- Are they all there? - Yes. The whole family.

I'm on my way.

- All right! - Hurry up. Let's go.

Commissioner.

Good evening.

Madam, sir.

Commissioner Delcour. I'm leading the inquiry.

I must ask you to stay a while longer.

I'll read your statements and call you in one by one.

Sir!

I need to tell you something.

Last night, Ilan said he had a date with a girl

he'd picked up at the store.

- I'm sorry. - Miss.

What did he say to you?

He was going for a drink with a mate and he'd be back after.

Do you know him?

Yes. It's Jérémy, a childhood friend.

Ilan was a cool guy. Dead straight.

I know him well. He's my best friend.

What exactly happened?

I was here. He was across the way.

He rang me to ask me to check out a girl.

What was she like?

I don't know. I barely saw her.

Short, dark complexion.

Long hair. Black, I think. Very sexy.

Can you be more precise?

No, I can't. I was too far away.

Would you say she was Mediterranean?

Yeah, that's it.

You'd never seen her before?

Never.

Normally he tells me everything.

I can't believe it.

Who could have done it?

That's what we want to know.

Goodbye.

Say nothing to anyone. We'll be in touch.

- Well? - I caught one.

He's cute and I got his number.

Great! Django will be pleased. He didn't think you could do it.

Get in, girls.

We got one.

How did you know he's a Jew?

Shops that close on Saturdays are Jewish.

Go to cabin 248 on Général Leclerc and take prints...

I want to know who served them.

This is for you.

- Hello? - We want 100,000 or we kill him.

- Have you got it? - No...

- Got the 100,000? - Don't hurt him.

- Let me talk to him. - Got the money, whore?

We need a Photofit of the girl ASAP.

Commander Garcin.

It's Mony, Ilan's girlfriend.

He called again.

He wants 100,000.

100,000?

- Yes. - OK.

He asked for money and said he'd kill him...

Did he give the same address?

I don't know.

Go to Hotmail. Same address.

You're not alone. Someone's coming.

I'll put Lieutenant Vogel on. Don't hang up.

- Reassure her. - Got it.

Hello. Lieutenant Vogel.

If he calls again, don't answer.

I'm sending someone over.

OK. Print it.

Try to stay calm.

Ilan's girlfriend received another e-mail.

The call came from Gentilly, 94 department.

It's badly written.

"Meet on 23.01.2006 at chatelet les halles

"outside k f c at 8am sharp.

"bring your mobile phone,

"a laptop connected to the Internet.

"Come with 10 people with ID..."

What does it mean?

May I?

Yes, yes.

Why's he asking for 100,000 now?

Maximum bank transfer is 9,900 euros per person.

That's it. There's a Western Union there.

The bastard wants a transfer.

Garcin, ask Vogel to take the girl to a cyber café.

OK.

Tell her to write this.

"I received your instructions.

"I have no laptop with Internet connection.

"What do we do?

"I don't know 10 people who can come with me.

"I'm worried about Ilan. I'd like to talk to him. Thanks.

Hello, sir. Police. Is that station free?

Come on.

Write this: "I received your instructions.

"I have no laptop..."

Hello. I'm Mrs Halimi. Can I go up?

- Go ahead. - Thank you.

Francis! Wait, I'm coming.

Hi.

Well?

- Been here long? - Since 8 this morning.

Did you manage to sleep?

They searched his room this morning.

They asked if Ilan took drugs. Mad, eh?

As if he was guilty.

They even said he wasn't kidnapped at random.

It's all there.

This is the France Télécom list.

On the pre-pay number that called Ilan,

there are over 150 calls, 30 for the same individual.

Find him.

They'll find him.

Did you see how many there are?

Yes.

Tell them we'll find the money somehow.

Stop it. Where will we find it?

Madam, sir.

Please come with me.

Well?

Here.

This girl led your son on.

Recognise her?

No.

- How was it done? - Thanks to Jérémy

and this man who was working in a bar.

Are you going to send it out to the media?

No. It's too dangerous for your son.

We don't know what they're capable of.

We must be discreet, say nothing.

As long as he doesn't have the money, Ilan's not in danger.

- Yes. - He'll call again.

We just have to be patient.

Would you like a hot drink?

Come with me.

In kidnappings,

the first days are crucial.

I'm going home. I haven't slept all night.

She's hot. Really hot! I promise you.

If you do it, I'll introduce you.

You won't believe your eyes!

Yeah, you can't imagine.

What are they doing? The cops are here.

- Alain Stern? - Yes.

- Police. - What?

- What did I do? - Don't move!

It's 9.17am. You are under arrest for kidnapping,

attempted extortion and death threats.

Let me go!

- Head down. - Stop! Let me go!

I've done nothing.

Do you know him?

I've never seen him.

- You? - No.

On Friday, Ilan was called from a pre-pay phone,

from which 30 calls were made

to Alain Stern, owner of a phone shop on Boulevard Voltaire.

I've never heard of him.

- You think it's him? - We don't know. Maybe.

Mobiles get passed around. We need to check.

OK.

Right.

- Do you know this man? - I've never seen him.

He sells phones 500m from your shop.

I don't know who he is.

And Léa, who's that?

I've no idea!

Her name's in your phone.

Your number appears 30 times on the phone the girl used.

And you don't know her?

I swear I don't.

I don't know the girl.

10 days ago, she came into the shop.

She asked my brother for my number.

She fancied me.

She asked me out for a drink.

I thought it was weird. I said no.

She never called back.

Shit!

- Describe her. - Blonde, tall, pretty.

Blonde?

Yeah.

- Was it a wig? - No. She had blue eyes.

Not Eastern-looking?

Not at all.

Get him to do a Photofit.

Where were you Friday?

Come with me, please.

With my parents, like every Friday. With my brothers,

my sisters. You can check.

I'll give you the number.

Are there several girls as bait?

It looks that way.

So it was random? It could have been him?

I think so.

- He's lucky. - Yes.

Don't let it get you down.

It's very important to keep your spirits up.

The shrink's here.

Your attention, please.

Here is the information we have.

On 20 January, at 9.53pm, Ilan receives a call from the bait,

from a cabin at Porte d'Orléans.

It lasts a few seconds. He then calls Mony

and Karim.

He leaves home in the 12th and arrives at Porte d'Orléans at 11.17.

He spends 45 minutes in a bar on Avenue Leclerc

and leaves, probably with her,

for Sceaux.

Our last location is at 12.45 in Sceaux,

near the Jean Monnet campus.

They continued on foot.

There signal was lost after that.

They must have removed the battery.

- Is this it? - Yes.

This way.

You live alone?

Yeah.

- For long? - A while.

- A while? - Yeah.

- How long? - A few months.

I think I forgot my keys. Damn!

Don't look!

Stop it!

Bastard!

Get his keys.

Hurry up.

Tape him up. Hurry up.

Get lost, bitch!

Let's go!

Come on!

- Did he contact you? - No.

Want to stay with us?

Come on.

- Good night, Mrs Halimi. - Good night.

There's nothing.

Go to sleep.

It's the girlfriend's phone.

Mony! Mony! Answer it, quick.

- Hello? - I want 50,000 euros now,

and 50 000 tomorrow. - I'm worried about Ilan.

- How is he? - Answer me. Got the money?

- We'll get it. - Are you taking the piss?

Playing with his life?

No!

Think I'm joking?

- Not taking me seriously? - Don't hurt him.

I'll send you a photo of his mashed-up face.

We're gonna torture him. How much you got?

How is he?

- How is he? - He's fine.

He said he was fine.

The call came from a cabin in Côte d'Ivoire.

What is this? Trace the call.

That'll take weeks.

- We have no authority there. - Shit!

José, she's calling her husband.

Hello?

He just called.

We have to get the money.

Talk to the cops.

Forget the police.

- I'm scared. - Hang on, I've got another call.

The girl's useless. I'll deal with you.

Send me 50,000 now, 50,000 tomorrow. Got it?

Not yet, but I'll try... Hello?

Hello?

What's going on?

He'll call back.

- Do the police know? - Of course not.

Hello?

We're gonna fuck him up! Son of a bitch! Bastard!

- Hello, boss. - Hello.

Hello, Commissioner.

Well?

It's confirmed. The calls come from Côte d'Ivoire.

The e-mails come from Bagneux, Montrouge and Paris, 14th.

And the texts?

Impossible to say.

He removes the battery after sending them.

Hello, Mrs Halimi. Mr Halimi.

Hello.

The calls you received this morning came from Abidjan.

Clearly the network is bigger than we thought.

And very organized.

This means Ilan is in Africa.

No, Madam. I don't think so.

In my opinion, the head of the network is based in Africa,

with offshoots in France.

Excuse me.

- Hello. - Hello.

Have you examined the file?

- Are there new files? - Yes. 7, since this morning.

1 for the girlfriend and the rest for the father.

How is the father?

You tell me.

He's strong, I suppose.

Please, everyone.

And the mother?

It's more complicated.

Let's go.

Come in.

It's him again.

Don't hang up.

Philippe! He's calling.

Please. Take a seat.

Come on.

- Yes? - I said 50, but it's not enough.

We need 450 immediately. Do you have it?

I don't have this kind of money.

No, no. I don't have this amount.

We're not rich.

I'm not mistaken. You're mistaken, jerk!

Here is Brigitte Farell, she's a psychologist

and negotiator at BIS.

Can you hold out?

Yes.

So far, they're only addressing you and the young lady.

We need a contact person, or else it's going in all directions.

Can you face him?

Yes.

Please don't hang up when you get a call from an unknown number.

He has to call Mr. Halimi.

Your daughters and Ilan's friends, too.

- OK? - If you think we must do it.

Wait. We must be firm about it.

If he insults you, you hang up. Don't let him control you.

Hello?

Hello?

What is this?

El Fatiha. The 1st surah of the Koran.

This means...

the Islamists have taken away my son, haven't they?

No, no.

It's a bravado.

It is unlikely that Al-Qaeda may target a phone salesman

in Paris.

They imitate what they saw on the TV or on the net.

One shouldn't fall into this trap. It's only fear mongering.

We cannot...

Can we not give them what they want...?

No, Madam.

In France we do not pay, less it should happen every day.

Mrs. Halimi.

You'd better go home.

We'll send someone with you who'll stay with you this night.

You can trust us.

Mrs. Halimi.

I think you should go back to work.

As soon as possible.

Your daughters, too.

If we want to catch them, we must keep a low profile.

Wait downstairs. Someone will come for you.

I cannot go back to work. It's not possible.

You must. For Ilan.

It shouldn't come out. It may be dangerous.

He'll be with you in a moment.

Captain Garcin.

On the photo,

Ilan is blindfolded...

and there's a gun at his head, true?

Yes.

Like that American journalist. What's his name again?

Kidnapped in Pakistan.

- Daniel Pearl. - Ruth, please.

Ilan is not a journalist and we're not in Pakistan.

They have beheaded him in front of a camera.

Stop it.

Stop talking about it.

It has nothing to do with.

We're checking everyone.

- Hey, you. Turn around. - Sir. Judicial Police.

Seize all the computers. 1, 2, 3, 4.

And the Residency Permit, too.

So it was on Saturday around 13:00 hrs. Right?

Yes. It was so cold. There was no soul around.

Well, except one. He was at Number 2.

- Number 2? - Yes.

Guys, seize Station 2.

What did he look like?

He was black, a great hulk of a man in his '25-30s.

Tall? Small?

So and so. Well, rather small.

And his clothes?

He had a hood on his head and a scarf on his face.

And gloves. It struck me as strange.

Good. Thanks a lot.

We've installed a surveillance camera.

If he comes back, you'll let me know.

I'll call you, no problem.

- Lieutenant Joubert. - OK.

- Can we count on you? - Yes.

- Thanks. - Have a nice day.

- What's up? - Fine.

- How are you? - All right.

What do you want? Fuck your mother! Go home!

Son of a bitch!

And your chip? We must seize it. We've got orders.

What are you talking about? Go keep watch outside.

Why isn't anyone outside?

Forget it. I'm too famished.

Go on, eat.

- Hey, sorry. - Yeah.

Go on.

Hey, guys.

Oh! Hey, Christophe! Wake up, brother. Go home.

C'mon, guys.

Take it easy down the stairs.

- And Django? - Nothing.

We don't know where he is.

You're giving me a headache.

Yeah. You're pissed or what?

Sure. He said 3 days.

When they come up with money, you'll be happy.

It's a pain in the neck to come here every blessed day.

We can't open the windows and it's freezing.

Damn it!

Can't he shut up, this Jew guy?

You're a pain in the neck!

Shut up!

Shut up!

Shut the fuck up!

Hello. How are you? Long time no see.

Hello, Madam...

- Hello, Ruth. How are you? - Oh, hello, Sir.

Mr. Halimi.

Hello?

- Well? How much have you got? - I want to talk to Ilan.

- In your dreams! - "Is he all right?"

Is he all right?

I want 200,000 in all.

50 today. 150 tomorrow. Do you have it?

Cash?

I can find cash. We must meet.

In exchange, you free Ilan.

Hey, get stuffed! Son of a bitch!

It's not the same number, it's from Côte d'Ivoire.

- I want 450 today. - "You said 200."

You said 200.

Shut up

if you want to see your son alive! I'm talking now!

I'm telling you what to do!

Jerk!

Stay calm.

It's OK.

There's something.

When I speak to you, you hesitate too much.

Look.

The Prosecutor has approved the amount of 115,000 Euros.

- They want more. - I know.

Will they accept?

We must try.

Prepare a suitcase and put in a tracking device.

Yes, boss.

Are you OK?

- I'm going out for a smoke. - I'm coming with you.

Go on.

- Django's not answering? - Well, no. You screwed up!

You're really hopeless, Léa.

- We've found another one. - "Another" what?

A Jew. We've been keeping him in a flat for 5 days.

I feed him with a straw.

The others come to see him when they're sick of listening.

They beat him every time. It makes me sick.

- What girl had him? - You don't know her.

Hot stuff. Django likes her.

- How much will you get? - I don't care. I'm out.

Django won't like it.

I couldn't care less.

I'm going out to get some air and see my father for a while.

Good.

Hey, Jérôme?

You love me?

Oh, yes.

Have you thought about it?

I want to talk to my son.

We'll cut a finger

and send it to his mother.

Don't do this.

Then you pay?

Yes. Tell me where we can meet.

No!

I want a bank transfer.

- I've got 110,000 in cash. - 200,000!

Let me see he's alive.

I want a photo.

I'm not in the mood. Don't give me that crap!

You make me sick!

OK. I don't pay you if I don't see my son is alive.

I do the talking!

I say what goes!

Son of a bitch!

Shut up!

So how are we going to do it?

I want a photo of the money.

- What is the address? - fire855@hotmail.com.

I want a photo of Ilan.

You think it's easy to arrange for a photo?

I'll call you back.

The fact he's using familiar speech

means a relationship is forming.

Great. Bravo.

We'll not answer any calls till we get a photo of Ilan.

Will we send him a photo of the money?

Yes. The most important thing is he's going to an internet café.

There're more than 30 teams in hideout.

We've got his description. We'll squeeze him in.

But he's not in Côte d'Ivoire?

I don't think so.

But it's the same one. He's got an accomplice in Abidjan.

I feel it's the same voice.

Because you project an image upon him.

It's normal. But he cannot be here and over there at the same time.

Look.

- Good evening. - Your glasses.

- Are you off to Paris? - Yes.

- Thank you, sir. - Thank you.

I was all right, holy shit!

It's starting to get hot. People are asking questions.

They're all going to freak out.

- They'll keep their mouth shut. - I don't know.

When you're not here, it sucks. Everybody's fed up with it.

I'm here now. And I'll get that money.

You're getting me all riled up with it.

C'mon, you've ruined my appetite now, damn it!

The abductors change the amount, they insult Mr. Halimi,

their proposals are senseless.

They don't mention the money submittal.

I'm asking myself if they killed the hostage.

We're not there yet.

How's the father?

Impeccable. An exceptional self-control.

- Joubert. - As for us, we suck.

We've squeezed blacks wearing a hat, a scarf, nothing.

It's -5°C and they're all dressed like that.

And you?

The phone numbers of the cafés are hard to localize.

We need letter rogatory. It takes a long time.

The operators give nothing.

- It's an abduction. - Right to privacy.

The examining magistrate is supporting.

Inquiries in the neighbourhood?

We're not getting ahead.

False leads. And one must be discreet

in the ghettos.

I've got something.

This guy, Simon Arfi, he's got several calls...

from one of the girls, Léa.

He's seen in a strip-tease club on the Champs-Elysées: Le Slur.

Alain Stern went there with his brother. Ilan, too.

Vice-squad is there?

Yes. Captain Bénard from the BRP.

Tell them to send as many people as possible for this case.

Who's' staying here tonight?

Everybody wants to stay.

Thank you.

I cannot take your call now, please leave a message.

Hey, it's me.

Why don't you answer?

OK. It's all right. I have it. It's an 06 from Paris.

I cannot talk to you, leave me a message.

Thank you.

You're fixing to get on my nerves!

Why don't you answer? What happened?

What's the matter?

I cannot talk, leave a message. Thank you.

You will have your photo.

But if you kee pnot answering,

I screw you race up, son of a bitch! Asshole!

It's perfect. You'll see, he'll give in eventually.

- Hello? - Ilan is there?

Oh well, no. No. Ilan is not here.

- Oh, so? - He's gone on a trip.

- All of a sudden? - Yeah. It's hit him suddenly.

He's so stupid!

Yeah. He's stupid, I know.

Well, then. Kisses, Fabienne. Cheers.

Kisses.

Where is it from?

- Net café, in Palaiseau. - I've sent a team.

Philippe! He's online.

Do you like the photo?

Is it good? Is it enough?

Will you pay?

Shall we put a stop to it?

Tomorrow come here with 10 persons.

With their ID cards and a computer connected to the net.

No bank transfers. The money in exchange for Ilan.

Money first,

your son afterwards. - No. An exchange.

- No bank transfers. - You're not keeping your word!

Go fuck yourself! Your mother's a bitch!

Now we don't answer anymore.

OK? We must be firm.

You think you'll win?

What will you gain, jerk?

Who's in control?

Poor schmuck, c'mon!

Damn it!

I'll send a photo

with your son bleeding.

This will make you think twice.

C'mon, kisses.

No, no.

Hello?

Well, that's it!

You're taking great risks.

You pay?

- Yes. - How much?

- 110,000. - Fuck you!

Son of a bitch!

Mickaël, wait for me!

Look, there's one there. Take a look.

Hello?

200,000.

I don't have it. We haven't got so much.

Ask from the Jewish Community.

You stick together between yourselves.

You shouldn't have answered him.

A bank transfer.

No.

- No bank transfer, we meet. - I don't want to talk to you.

You bore the pants off me. He's dead!

Do you understand me? Your son is dead!

Hello? Hello?

Hello?

- I want to talk to Ruth Halimi. - No!

I am her daughter.

- You're Ilan's sister? - Yes.

What the hell is your father doing? If he don't pay, we'll kill him.

No! No!

Please! We'll pay.

- We've got the money. - You know what we've done to him?

I cannot tell you.

Then hurry up. Fuck your race!

No! Hello?

Hello?

- Hello? - Brigitte.

They should not hang up. We're coming. Nobody

should touch the phone. - Right.

You should stop answering, OK?

It's from here?

- Well? - He doesn't stop calling.

Sit down.

You should maintain your position.

You must be tough. Inflexible.

Go.

- Hello? - Who's speaking?

You talk to me.

Don't call my wife or my daughter.

No insults, or threats.

Go fuck yourself! We'll kill your son, son of a bitch!

So the conditions,

I'll fix them myself, motherfucker!

Jerk!

It's good. It's very good.

He'll call back.

He's hung up on me, the fucker!

Wait.

Go on.

You know who I am?

Calm down.

Fuck you! I calm down if I want to.

No, listen to me.

First, let me talk.

I cannot make a bank transfer. It's impossible.

Meet me, and I'll bring the money

and you give me my son, OK?

- The police is listening now. - No.

- We haven't said anything. - You take me for a fool!

- You want to keep your money! - No. I have the money.

- Tell me where we can meet. - Go fuck yourself, jerk!

Motherfucker!

You've got the upper hand.

What you've done is good.

I must ask you to leave. It's the Sabbath.

No. We must be able to...

You do nothing, you cannot achieve anything.

Leave. I can't take it anymore.

Please.

If anything happens, call us.

- Good evening, Mrs. Halimi. - Good evening.

May we get you back?

No. I'll stay.

Goodbye, Madam. Ladies and Gentlemen.

It's a mistake to leave him with his wife.

Philippe, stay outside.

OK, boss.

- He'll call again. - I'll forward the line.

- I don't understand. - What?

- How you can do this. - What?

They ask you to hang up, you hang up and Ilan is in pain.

- They know what they're doing. - No, they don't!

We must listen to them.

We cannot stay and do nothing.

It's been 7 days.

7 days.

- Why shouldn't we speak? - He must be crazy!

400 policemen are looking for him. They'll bring them down.

I don't care, I want Ilan.

Here, now. My place, our place.

Do you understand?

We must tell everybody.

We must put Ilan's photo everywhere!

By doing this, they'll know the police knows.

And if they kill Ilan, how shall we get to go on?

What shall we do? What?

I'm thinking of this girl all the time.

I think she must be somewhere...

walking, eating, laughing...

It's not possible.

I'm telling myself she'll wake up.

She'll call us.

Could she call us?

Here.

- And Jérôme? - I don't see him much lately.

He's staying with his father.

Oh yes? Why?

Nothing. Problems with Django.

They've taken a Jew and asked for a ransom.

- What? - They keep him in a flat.

Jérôme couldn't take it, he took off.

I know he can do it.

She's a little too loose. I prefer the other.

Hey, wait a minute. You realize what you've just told me just now?

What? That he's staying at his father's?

No, that's not it.

What then?

Nothing.

Girl, if you speak, I swear...

You're just a mythomaniac. I don't believe your story.

- Where are you going, daddy? - I'll be back in a moment.

Damn it! What the hell are you doing there?

The painters will be here the day after tomorrow.

What are you saying?

They've re-let the flat.

You're a pain in the arse!

Then you must warn Django. Clean everything.

I can't lose my job.

- Wait, wait. - What?

Haven't you got anything else?

I'll go see.

A cellar, perhaps.

- It's 1,500. - Yeah.

Go on, I'll see.

Fabrice, where're you're going?

I'm too tired. I'm going home.

What are you saying?

- Don't bust my balls. - Come back!

Son of a bitch! Damn it! Hello, Django?

What the hell are you doing?

I don't know what to do! They're all trying to break off.

Hey! Do you want a puff? C'mon, it's a good one.

Yeah, that's it.

I've just heard a key. I've heard his voice.

Would you like a glass of water?

They're hurting him.

- Why are you saying this? - I know it, I feel it.

If they want the ransom, they won't hurt him.

They will.

- No, they won't hurt him. - No.

You shall bring Ilan back.

Not possible otherwise. He'll come back here.

- We do our best. - My boy.

Don't worry.

Yes. It will be OK.

I cannot talk to you, leave a message. Thank you.

The guys don't take it anymore. They'll give up.

We don't want the money. I'll release your son.

Do you hear me? I'm serious.

I'll release him. We must only find a common ground.

Good. I'll call back.

You shouldn't trust him.

It's a manipulation.

- Have you heard him? - It's a bluff. He's leading you on.

- But he's saying... - We won't get him like this.

We've got a strategy. We must stick to it.

We must make him do what we want.

He's trying to psych you out. It's his turn to give in.

Not yours. Please believe me.

Good evening, Mr. Halimi.

- Hello. - Hello.

- How are you? - Bad.

It will be the first death in the history of abduction.

He hasn't called for 2 days. We should re-establish contact.

He should call us back, Philippe.

You feel you're getting nowhere. I do understand.

It's arm-wrestling. He must understand...

Please. For pity's sake, don't. Not with me.

- Delcour. - Come here. I've got news.

I'm coming.

They've contacted a rabbi and they've sent a tape.

- Have you sent a team? - Yes, I have.

Philippe. Rabbi Zini.

- Rabbi. - Hello.

Can I listen to the message?

Yes, of course.

Hello? Are you a rabbi? A Jew has been kidnapped.

Go find a tape in Amélie Cassin's postal box.

It's at 17, rue Bréa, in the 6th.

I've received this message and an email this morning.

- I've preferred to call you. - You've done the right thing.

Do you know this man?

Yes, he seems familiar.

I must have met him at a wedding or a bar mitzvah.

We talked, but not much. He has never called back.

That's it. I've got the tape. They chose a random box.

The tenant doesn't know anything, apparently.

- Have you informed the parents? - Yes. They're nearby.

Let's go.

- Romain! - Yes.

Thank you.

I am Ilan Halimi.

I'm the son of Halimi Didier

and of Halimi Ruth.

I'm Jewish. They're holding me hostage.

And I'm asking for help, Rabbi.

Have pity. They're going to kill me.

Don't let them, please.

Please, I need help.

I cannot bear it anymore.

Mother, please. Don't leave me alone.

Don't leave me. Give them the money.

Give them what they want.

I won't last long.

Oh, my God, please don't leave me.

My sweet mother.

Have you heard of similar things in your community?

Recently?

Have Jews been abducted for being Jewish

and the police hasn't been informed? - Of course.

José, come here for a moment.

Excuse me.

Here you are.

You want to call SOS Racism and the CRIF ?

- This is a shitty business. - Concerning the Jews.

And the RER girl, you've forgotten her?

It was no anti-Semitic aggression.

What is the connection with the girl? These are facts!

And he sang us the Koran.

A contacted rabbi, a united Jewish community

and this lad with the gun aimed at him.

- What do you want more? - Ilan alive! That's all.

You're dismissed.

C'mon, go.

Hey, guys.

What's up?

Hurry! Go, go!

- Shut up your mouth! - Go ahead!

C'mon! This jerk is heavy.

Throw him off! Throw him off.

Damn it, do it!

- You're a pain in the neck! - This bastard!

Shut up, damn it!

I'm counting on you.

Shut up!

I'm expecting a courier today. Thank you.

- Yes? - Hello. Mr. Rond, please.

Very good. Just a moment.

Hello. Mr. Chéreau would like to join you.

- I'll call him back. - OK.

He'll call you back.

Hello?

Go on, speak.

- Hello? - Mother...

Hello? Hello? Ilan!

- My sweet mother... - Ilan.

If you want to see your son alive,

open my email message from parcourir@hotmail.fr.

- Code: 741258. - Hello?

- "parcourir"...? - Get lost!

I said:

"parcourir@hotmail.fr."

Code: 741258.

Otherwise, I swear, we kill your son.

Hello? Hello?

To the left.

Mrs. Halimi. Come here.

They've sent you the e-mail addressed to the rabbi.

"A Jew was kidnapped and the ransom was not paid.

"We want 350,000 euros for his release."

Hello, Mrs. Halimi.

What has he exactly told you on the phone?

Mrs. Halimi? On the phone?

Was it the usual voice?

- Did you read it? - Yes, of course.

I mean properly.

He wrote: "A Jew has been kidnapped." Not "a man".

- They're going to kill him. - Please.

They're going to kill him.

You have to believe them.

Even if we lose the money,

even if the police don't do that.

- We have to find it. - Listen.

No, you listen!

- Ruth... - Shut up!

You know. So do you.

Since the start. What are you afraid of?

We mustn't provoke them.

You've been talking rubbish from the start.

Madam, listen.

Everyone here wants to find your son. Everyone.

They're here 24 hours a day.

I have to force them to rest.

So please.

They're going to kill him.

Excuse me.

You're right.

Your rabbi's not answering. Give me another Jew's number.

Louder! We can't hear you.

My cousin.

What's his name?

What's his name?

- Yohann. - Is he on your phone?

You idiot!

Hey! Get me a gory photo. One that'll get them to pay.

No worries.

Thanks.

- Hello? - Yohann?

- Yes? - There's an envelope for you.

- What? - 31 rue Guersant. In the 17th.

- Where? - The dry cleaner's.

What is it?

There's an envelope for me on rue Guersant.

Be right back.

A black guy left it.

- It's horrible! - Shit, what's this?

Come on.

Please, Yohann. Don't abandon me.

- They're gonna kill me. - It's Ilan.

Stop. Take off your hood. Your ID, please.

Thanks.

Watch him. Be right back.

TN 17 from TV 717. ID check.

Passport number 97TL56...

- Auntie, it's Yohann. - Yes?

Has Ilan been kidnapped?

I can't tell you. Go to

Police Headquarters. - Has he been kidnapped?

- Is that it? - I can't tell you.

Go to the police. Please. Now.

OK.

I can't believe it.

What the fuck is going on?

- Here you are. Have a good day. - Thanks.

Let's go.

Thank you. We'll be in touch.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

That's enough!

Calm down.

Let me go! I shouldn't be here.

- I want my lawyer! - He's on his way.

Some chick wants me to fuck her and the cops arrest me!

We just want to know who you owe the money to.

It's bullshit!

A guy's been abducted. He may die.

- So what? - You tell us.

I don't owe money to anyone. Let me go.

Yesterday they arrested Simon Benamou, an ex-criminal.

If he'd given them the name of his creditor,

the crime would have led directly to Ilan's captors.

Sadly, he didn't talk.

But this morning, 6 February, they called Didier

to arrange a meeting at Les Halles,

and promised to free our son.

Are you OK?

Hand over the case when you see your son.

- Where? - Under the arcade.

Subject en route.

OK.

We're in position.

- 29 in position. - Received.

Halimi! How are you? I changed my mind.

Meet me at Place Clichy, now.

Relocate subject

to Place Clichy.

OK, received.

- It's fine. - We're on our way.

- What do you think? - I've no idea.

Listen, mate. Don't wait for me. Go to Brussels.

Make the transfer there.

Mr Halimi, please. It's useless.

Mr Halimi, please.

Did you hear?

- Yes. - You did?

Let me go to Brussels. I want my son back.

No. You're not going to Brussels.

It's nonsense. There'll be no one there.

Don't let them mess you around.

At any cost.

What's he been doing? Tell me!

Please, Mr Halimi. Stop shouting.

That's better.

Mr Halimi! Mr Halimi!

15 minutes.

Station 10.

Joubert.

- Inspector? - Yes.

It's the cyber café.

The black guy's here.

- Are you sure? - Yes, he's here.

- Stay there. Do nothing. - OK.

- Say nothing and stay on the line. - OK.

Mr Halimi! We found him. We're gonna catch the bastard!

- Hello, Ruth? - Yes.

- They found him. - Really?

Yes.

- Yes. - Philippe.

He's in a cyber café in the 14th, but there's a problem.

- How could you? - I've nothing to add.

- Who's over there? - No one.

What?

He never uses the same cyber café.

60 teams on the ground!

Who's nearest?

Vaugrenelle and Montsouris. It's much too far.

Joubert, call the local police.

And tell them what?

The minimum. The address and the guy's description.

Tall, black, dangerous.

José, come with me.

Stay on the line and remain calm.

Give me the 14th police station.

- Yaël, they're going to get him! - I don't believe it!

Central to 226. A suspect, tall, black...

226 to Central. Received.

Anne-Laure? It's OK.

- They're going to arrest him. - What?

I'm going to Police Headquarters.

There it is.

Number 9.

There. Stop!

Stop!

Stop!

Out of the way!

Out of the way!

Stop!

It was madness from the start.

A total fuck-up.

Give me a break.

The family's here.

Talk to them.

Why did they go in the side door?

Didn't you tell them it was a cyber café?

We just gave them the address.

I don't get it. They went in wearing uniform?

You're nuts.

- You're mad! - Please.

We didn't intercept him, but we have made progress,

all the same.

There was a camera in the café.

The man's picture will be sent to all police stations.

Now he's seen you, he'll take it out on Ilan!

We'll never see him again!

- Mrs Halimi... - Leave me alone!

Mum!

Let's go.

I'm not available now, but leave a message.

Thank you.

The rappers aren't involved.

And Benamou?

He said nothing. We have to let him go.

I'm not available now, but leave a message. Thanks.

You won't answer, bastard!

You can find your son six feet under!

Put your sperm on the money.

You can have a new son! You dog!

Go home.

Don't answer him again.

That will force him to go back to a cyber café.

You're in no state to talk to him.

Over 600 phone calls in 20 days is untenable.

You have to rest.

He's right. Go and rest.

Who is it?

It's Dad.

Your phone is out of order. Nobody pick up.

- Have you eaten? - No.

- Do you agree with them? - I don't know.

They'll kill him if you don't answer.

Yaël, please.

They keep saying they'll kill him.

And you listen to the cops!

Why do you listen to them? Why?

They're crap!

Do you want them to kill him? Is that what you want?

Answer me!

They've been threatening us for 3 weeks.

He's bluffing, he won't do it.

The shrink cow put that in your head!

You're their little doggie!

Yaël, that's enough.

Stop it!

How can you accept it?

Didier.

Ask them to get back in touch.

Please.

You don't get it. We can't go on like this.

You said 3 days, it's been 3 weeks!

The guys have had it.

They're not feeding...

They're not feeding him. Know why?

They're sick of wiping his arse.

OK, I get it.

- It's shit, Django. - OK.

OK. I get it. Let's go.

Now the bleach.

You wanted to see my face. Now you die!

Son of a bitch!

Dirty Jew!

Sir! Sir!

Can you hear me?

Hello, police?

There he is.

Sir! Sir!

TN 91 to Central, over?

Sir?

Urgent. Seriously injured person,

next to the Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois station.

You're not alone. Stay with me.

Can you hear me?

TN 91, the person is in a bad way.

- Send immediate help. - He's breathing.

Help's on its way. You'll be OK.

Be brave. Hold my hand. Try to hold my hand.

Try to hold my hand. You'll be OK.

Here, Madam.

Yes.

I'll let you know when she's here.

Young Parisian murdered

Philippe.

The kid in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois

is Ilan.

The coroner's initial remarks

are terrifying.

"Skin torn off, bruises, brain injuries."

They hadn't fed him for 2 weeks.

His stomach was completely empty.

Time of death, 13 February 2006, at 9.35am,

at the Cochin hospital in the burns unit.

The man found yesterday is indeed Ilan Halimi.

He died on the way to hospital.

An appeal for witnesses has been launched.

The Photofit of one of the lures

as well as the photo of the prime suspect

will be distributed nationwide.

I got you a croissant and a coffee.

You're a darling.

Wait. Can I see that for a second?

Hi. Leave a message.

Léa, it's Muriel. I have to see you.

You want me to go to the cops?

Yes.

I can't. They'll put me in prison.

Your face is in all the papers. What are you gonna do?

Hide all your life?

Your parents, your teachers, they'll all know.

15 February, 2006.

The individual presented herself at Montrouge police station

and was transferred to Police HQ at 11.07.

They promised me 5,000 euros to pick up a guy.

It had to be a Jew.

They have money and they're close-knit.

I tried once or twice, but it didn't work.

And you found out another girl had tried.

My boyfriend told me.

His name?

If you give us his name,

I'm sure the judge will take it into account.

It's in your interest to tell the truth.

What?

Jérôme Ribeiro.

Ribeiro.

He said they'd caught another one.

He didn't want to go on.

Django scares everyone.

There.

He went to his father's.

Jérôme!

Hands up!

On the ground, now!

Easy, I've done nothing.

- Are you Jérôme Ribeiro? - Yes.

You're under arrest for abduction, false imprisonment

and torture leading to death.

Dress him and take him away.

- Is that him? - Yes.

The one giving the orders was Smiler.

Samir Aït Abdelmalek, a big shot.

Get down!

Samir Aït Abdelmalek.

We were in a flat given to us by the janitor,

Gilles Serrurier.

Bye, honey. Hurry up.

- Gilles Serrurier? - Yes.

There was me, Gavarin,

Nabil Moustafa, Yahia Cabat.

They gave him dope and didn't feed him.

The cruellest was Grisou.

He beat Ilan for no reason. He's crazy.

Police! Don't move!

Let me go, you bastards!

It's 7.15am.

You're under arrest for abduction,

false imprisonment and torture leading to death.

Who was the lure?

Some whore who lives with her mother.

Rue Balzac. A friend of Tiffenn Gouret.

She recruited girls.

Stop, dammit!

Get her!

- Don't move! - Bastards!

Tiffenn Gouret, you're under arrest

for abduction, false imprisonment...

You're under arrest...

- Bastards! - Bitch!

- Do we have them all? - Yeah.

They're all no-hopers.

A bunch of losers!

There are 500 people here. No-one saw anything.

It's impossible.

Take them away.

Take them away, guys.

That's good. And who is the boss?

Django was in charge. We didn't ask questions.

All we wanted was our money.

What's his real name?

Fofana.

Youssouf Fofana.

As Ilan Halimi was being buried this morning,

13 individuals were arrested in the Paris suburbs.

Youssouf Fofana, the supposed head of the gang,

is believed to be in Côte d'Ivoire. Sources indicated...

- Hello? - Halimi!

Happy now? Your son is dead. You won, asshole!

You won. But you,

you're next on the list! And I'll kill you!

I'll kill you! Bastard!

I'm not available, but leave a message. Thanks.

This is Youssouf Fofana, the prime suspect.

We are looking for him.

Mr Prosecutor, the controversy is growing.

Was this no more than a criminal act?

Absolutely.

These people have no limits when it comes to violence.

But nothing indicates that this murder

is linked to anti-semitism.

The gang's motivation was financial.

But there have been other attempts at abduction

on members of the Jewish faith.

No comment. Thank you.

Did you hear the Prosecutor? He doesn't want to know.

They won't even leave us the truth.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Mrs Halimi, thank you for agreeing to speak to us

following the Prosecutor's speech.

You said that you felt your son, Ilan,

had died for a second time. Why?

You know,

for 24 days, I kept quiet.

I did everything the police asked me to.

But today,

out of respect for the ordeal that Ilan suffered,

I can no longer keep quiet.

That's why I'm here to say

that my son, Ilan,

was chosen by those barbarians because he was Jewish.

They beat him up, lynched him,

burnt him, tortured him, because he was Jewish.

If my son hadn't been Jewish, he'd not have been killed.

I want his death to be a warning.

Thank you, Mrs Halimi.

Many demonstrators gathered at Place de la République

to pay tribute to Ilan Halimi

and to reply to those who deny the anti-semitic nature

of this barbaric act.

The demonstration is aimed

at raising consciousness and to fight

the ancient demons that still lurk in this country.

Please. Please.

Having interviewed the main suspects,

and having read and re-read their statements,

there is no possible doubt.

Anti-semitism is therefore an aggravating circumstance

in the case of Ilan Halimi.

A dramatic moment at the Law Courts.

After days of controversy that shook the political world,

the examining magistrate has redefined

the crimes of which the barbaric gang are accused.

2 questions remain:

the arrest and extradition of Youssouf Fofana.

Lock down the area.

Arrest of Youssouf Fofana.

OK. I get it.

Stop!

- Are you Mr Fofana? - Yes.

- Get out of the car. - Yes, that's me.

What's going on?

It's a mistake. What's wrong?

Abidjan Police Headquarters

Get out! Get out now!

That's enough. I'm Ivorian too.

Stop it, brothers. I'm Ivorian.

Mum! They got him.

The police arrested Youssouf Fofana last night.

He was held in custody at Police Headquarters.

The President refused him

Ivorian nationality.

This morning, the Head of Government signed

his extradition request,

effective immediately.

Youssouf Fofana was handed over to French authorities.

5.30pm, Charles de Gaulle airport.

The French Air Force Airbus A310 landed.

Youssouf Fofana disembarked surrounded by members

of the Special Branch.

Security measures were legion.

The convoy headed for the Paris Law Courts,

where 2 examining magistrates were waiting.

He is to be questioned

for abduction, false imprisonment and murder.

I'll come back and fuck you all up!

You'll die, you bunch of bastards!

Fuck France, you bunch of whores!

29 suspects were questioned. 19 were convicted.

Youssouf Fofana: life with a minimum of 22 years.

Samir Aït Abdelmalek, "Smiler": 18 years

Jérôme Ribeiro: 10 years

Emma (a minor at the time): 9 years

Tiffen Gouret: 11 years Gilles Serrurier: 10 years

Jean-Christophe Soumbou: 18 years Nabil Moustafa: 14 years

Christophe Martin-Vallet: 12 years Yayia Touret Cabat: 11 years

Fabrice Polygone: 12 years Cédric Bizot Saint-Yves: 12 years

Jean-Christophe (a minor at the time): 15 years

Francis Oussivo N'gazi: 6 years Audrey Lor Leach: 2 years

Sabrine Fontaine: 3 years Franco Louise: 5 years

Guiri Oussivo N'gazi: 7 years Alexandra Sisilia: 5 years

A year later...

Good morning.

Sorry I'm late. Madam. Rabbi.

Madam, according to the authorisation of 7 February 2007,

we will proceed with the exhumation of your son.

Gentlemen, please.

Why are you inflicting this on yourself?

One day, those who did this will get out of prison.

I don't want them to spit on his grave.

I received hundreds of letters,

from the Gironde, the Vendée, Lille, Marseille, Toulouse.

Letters that began with:

"I'm a Muslim and I'm ashamed."

"I'm a Catholic." "I'm black." "I'm an atheist."

"I'm a mother and I'm devastated."

I want everyone to know how much their words comforted me.

My son's journey ended in Jerusalem.

In Hebrew, Ilan means "tree".

We planted one in a forest near the cemetery.

May he rest in peace.

Ilan Halimi Garden

Young Parisian from the 12th arrondissement

Victim of anti-semitism 1982-2006

In memory of Ilan, Valérie Benguigui and my brother Elemer

Subtitles: Eclair Group