Saad Lamjarred Sentenced to 10 Years for Rape
In a Paris appeals court, Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred was handed a 10‑year jail sentence for raping a 20‑year‑old woman in 2016. The harsher penalty follows a 6‑year ruling from 2023 and reflects aggravating factors such as alcohol use. Lamjarred, who denies the charges, plans to appeal to Franc…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a dramatic turn of events, Moroccan pop icon Saad Lamjarred has been sentenced to ten years behind bars by an appeals court in Créteil, a suburb southeast of Paris. The decision, announced on Saturday, marks a significant escalation from the six‑year prison term handed down in 2023 by the Paris Assize Court for the same 2016 rape case.
What Happened in the Courtroom
The appellate hearing was held in secrecy, a common practice for cases involving sensitive allegations. Prosecutors argued that Lamjarred’s conviction should carry a heavier sentence due to the aggravating circumstance of alcohol consumption during the assault. The court agreed, delivering a 10‑year term and ordering the singer into custody immediately.
Lamjarred, 41, has consistently maintained his innocence. His legal team, led by Marie Burguburu, announced plans to challenge the verdict at the Court of Cassation, France’s highest court for criminal appeals.
The 2016 Incident and the Victim’s Account
The alleged crime occurred in a Paris hotel room after Lamjarred and Laura B. met at a nightclub. At the time, the woman was 20 and the singer 31. Laura B. testified that the singer forced himself upon her while she was intoxicated. French prosecutors highlighted the victim’s age and the singer’s alcohol‑driven state as key aggravating factors.
In a separate 2018 case, Lamjarred was convicted of raping another woman near Saint‑Tropez. He received a five‑year sentence from an assize court in Draguignan, though he has appealed that conviction as well.
Legal Context and Related Cases
- In April, five individuals were found guilty of attempting to extort Lamjarred, demanding €3 million to silence the 2016 complaint. The complainant’s mother, a lawyer, a social media influencer, and two others received suspended sentences ranging from six months to two years.
- Lamjarred has faced prior allegations, including a 2015 Moroccan case and a 2010 U.S. lawsuit alleging rape and sexual assault. The U.S. case was later dropped after a financial settlement.
- The appeal in Créteil was delayed from its original June 2025 schedule to allow further investigations, reflecting the complexity of the case.
Impact on Lamjarred’s Career and Public Image
Despite the mounting legal challenges, the singer retains a massive fan base across the Arab world, boasting over 15 million Instagram followers and roughly 16 million YouTube subscribers. His music continues to chart, though the legal cloud has undoubtedly affected his public persona.
Industry observers note that the case underscores the growing scrutiny of celebrity conduct in France and the broader Arab diaspora. The legal system’s willingness to impose harsher penalties for aggravated circumstances signals a shift toward more stringent accountability.
What Happens Next?
Lamjarred’s next move will be to file an appeal with the Court of Cassation. If the higher court upholds the 10‑year sentence, the singer will serve his term in a French prison. If it overturns the decision, he may be released pending a new trial. The outcome will have implications not only for Lamjarred but also for how celebrity sexual assault cases are prosecuted in France.
Meanwhile, the victim’s legal team continues to pursue justice, emphasizing the importance of protecting complainants from intimidation and ensuring a fair judicial process.
As the case progresses, international media will likely keep a close eye on the developments, given the high-profile nature of the defendant and the broader implications for celebrity accountability.
Why This Matters
The case highlights the legal system’s evolving stance on sexual assault, especially when aggravating factors such as alcohol are involved. It also raises questions about how celebrity status intersects with justice and public perception.
Key facts
- Saad Lamjarred sentenced to 10 years for 2016 rape
- Sentence increased from 6 years due to alcohol aggravation
- Lamjarred plans appeal to Court of Cassation
- Multiple related legal cases involving the singer
- Case may impact future celebrity sexual assault prosecutions
Why it matters
The verdict underscores France’s commitment to holding high‑profile individuals accountable for sexual crimes, setting a precedent that may influence future celebrity cases worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current status of Saad Lamjarred’s appeal?
He intends to challenge the 10‑year sentence at the Court of Cassation.
Will the singer be released while awaiting appeal?
No, he is ordered into custody following the appellate verdict.
How does this case affect his music career?
While his fan base remains large, his public image has been tarnished, potentially impacting future collaborations.
What other legal cases has Lamjarred faced?
He has been convicted in a 2018 rape case and faced extortion charges in 2024.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred gets 10-year prison sentence for rape after Paris Appeal”
