Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred has decided to challenge his 10-year prison sentence before France's Court of Cassation. This move comes after an appeals court increased his sentence from six to 10 years. The sentence is related to an alleged rape case filed by Laura P. in 2016. Lamjarred's defense team, including Marie Burguburu, stated that the singer maintains his innocence.
The alleged rape case dates back to 2016 when Lamjarred met Laura P. at a Paris nightclub. She accused him of raping her in a hotel room. At the time, Laura was 20 years old. Lamjarred received a six-year sentence in his first trial, but the appeals court increased it to 10 years. His defense team will now seek to challenge the decision before the Court of Cassation, France's highest court.
This is not Lamjarred's first brush with the law. He also received a five-year sentence from the Var Assize Court in Draguignan for the alleged rape of another woman in 2018 near Saint-Tropez. Lamjarred has appealed this sentence as well. His father, Bachir Abdou, a renowned singer in Morocco and the Arab world, condemned the sentencing, stating his son is innocent.
Lamjarred's family and defense team have expressed shock and disappointment at the ruling. His wife, Ghita, stated that her husband was sentenced for a crime he did not commit. She added that they cooperated with the authorities and provided evidence throughout the trial. Ghita also alleged that Lamjarred faced extortion, with the accuser demanding a payment to drop the case.
Many Moroccan celebrities and influencers have expressed support for Lamjarred, who has 15 million followers on Instagram. His songs have become hits in the Arab world and beyond. Lamjarred's mother, Nazha Regragui, is a renowned actress in Morocco. His defense team rejected the ruling, stating that the singer was subject to extortion.
The appeals court's decision has sparked a significant reaction in Morocco and beyond. Bachir Abdou stated that the decision left Lamjarred, his wife, and friends in shock. The singer's defense team will now focus on challenging the decision before the Court of Cassation. The case has garnered significant attention due to Lamjarred's fame and the allegations of extortion.
The Court of Cassation will now review the case. Lamjarred's fate remains uncertain as he seeks to overturn the 10-year prison sentence. The case highlights the complexities of the French justice system and the challenges faced by high-profile defendants. The singer's supporters and family members will be watching the developments closely.
Key points
- Saad Lamjarred plans to appeal his 10-year prison sentence before France's Court of Cassation.
- The sentence is related to an alleged rape case filed by Laura P. in 2016.
- Lamjarred's defense team alleges that he was subject to extortion in the case.
