Former rap star Moha La Squale, 29, has been sentenced to four years of imprisonment, including one year suspended, for domestic violence, kidnapping, and death threats against six ex-partners. The criminal court ordered the continued detention of Mohamed Bellahmed, his real name, who has already spent nearly 17 months behind bars. The court also mandated psychological monitoring and treatment for his cannabis addiction. Additionally, the rapper is banned from contacting the six young women who accused him and must compensate them for their moral damage, with amounts ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 euros each.
The prosecution had initially requested six years in prison, with two years suspended, describing Bellahmed as a man with a 'double face' who does not 'question himself.' Throughout the trial, which began on Tuesday, the rapper insisted that his accusers were lying and claimed he was the victim of a 'conspiracy,' while also apologizing for having 'hurt' them. His lawyer, Elise Arfi, indicated that he is unlikely to appeal the judgment, describing the decision as 'balanced' and 'intelligent' because it provides 'support' for the young man.
The court heard that between 2017 and 2021, Bellahmed subjected his victims to a consistent pattern of violence. The young women were initially 'coaxed,' then suffered psychological mistreatment, including insults and humiliating remarks, followed by death threats and physical abuse such as slaps, hair pulling, strangling, and suffocation with a pillow. Three of the six alleged victims were also kidnapped, locked up, and had their phones taken to prevent them from calling for help.
Several complainants expressed their satisfaction with the verdict. One of them, who burst into tears during the deliberations, said, 'I have the feeling of having been heard, I hope to turn the page and get better.' Antonin Gravelin-Rodriguez, the lawyer for another complainant, commented, 'It is a balanced and fair decision which is welcomed with relief by the victims and which demonstrates that the justice system is increasingly listening to violence against women.'
