Saad Lamjarred, the 41-year-old artist known for the song “M3allem,” has officially appealed his recent conviction. Following a four-day trial held behind closed doors at the Draguignan Assizes Court, the singer was sentenced on Friday, May 15, to five years of firm imprisonment. While he was not issued an immediate arrest warrant, the court ordered him to pay 30,000 euros in damages to the plaintiff, along with 5,000 euros for legal costs.
The conviction stems from an incident in August 2018. The singer met a 28-year-old French woman at a Saint-Tropez nightclub. she later alleged that she was subjected to a violent sexual assault in the artist’s hotel room after refusing to kiss him. Lamjarred maintained that the encounter was consensual, an argument the Aix-en-Provence indictment chamber rejected, stating that entering a hotel room does not constitute sexual consent. The defense had previously sought a full acquittal, while the advocate general had initially requested a ten-year prison sentence.
A Complex Legal History
This case adds to a significant history of legal challenges for the performer. He was previously involved in cases in Morocco in 2015 and the United States in 2010, the latter of which was resolved through a financial arrangement. He faces an ongoing legal battle in France regarding a 2023 conviction for the 2016 rape of Laura P. At a Parisian club, for which he was sentenced to six years in prison.
The proceedings for the 2016 case remain complicated by a separate extortion attempt. Five individuals were sanctioned for attempting to secure three million euros from the singer in exchange for dropping the charges. Among those penalized were the victim’s mother and her lawyer, the latter of whom received a ten-year ban from practicing law with immediate execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the trial in Draguignan?
Saad Lamjarred was sentenced to five years of firm imprisonment and ordered to pay 30,000 euros in damages plus 5,000 euros in legal costs.
Was the artist immediately incarcerated?
No, the court did not issue an immediate arrest warrant following the verdict.
What is the status of his previous conviction from 2023?
The singer still faces the Créteil Assizes Court of Appeal regarding a six-year sentence for a 2016 case, though these proceedings have been impacted by an extortion attempt involving third parties.
How might these overlapping legal challenges influence the future trajectory of the artist’s career?
