Graphic artist jailed in France over child rape livestream in Phl

A French court sentenced a graphic artist who worked on beloved animated feature films for Pixar and Disney to 25 years in jail for ordering the livestreamed rape of preteen girls in the Philippines.

The Paris court late Thursday found Bouhalem Bouchiba guilty of paying women in the Philippines between 2012 and 2021 to rape and sexually assault girls aged between five and 10 in front of a camera while he watched via livestream and issued instructions.

Bouchiba, 59, had confessed to the charges during the four-day trial.

"I am aware of everything I did. I ask the victims' forgiveness," he told the court, admitting during his testimony that the violence resembled "torture."

Bouchiba worked at the Pixar and Disney animation studios, contributing to blockbusters like 2004 hit "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille," released in 2007.