Paris Court of Appeal Confirms Trial for Moha La Squale
The Paris Court of Appeal has upheld the decision to refer rapper Moha La Squale, known legally as Mohamed Bellahmed, to the criminal court to face charges of physical violence against former partners. This ruling disregards the accusations of sexual violence, sources close to the case revealed. The case initially sent the artist to trial for spousal violence or kidnapping involving six women between 2017 and 2021, while dismissing rape and sexual assault charges due to a lack of material evidence.
Two of the six accusers appealed the dismissal of the sexual violence case. However, the Paris Chamber of Instruction also ruled out sexual violence on May 14, extending the period of alleged physical violence for one complainant. Moha La Squale disputes all allegations. His lawyer, Me Élise Arfi, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, which excluded the charges of sexual violence that the rapper contests vehemently.
The rapper was first indicted in June 2021 for sexual assault and violence, and in July 2022 for rape. However, these charges were dropped due to a lack of material evidence. The investigating judge instead noted in her order ‘characterized psychological violence’ and ‘physical acts’ such as slaps, hair pulling, and strangling. The artist, who gained prominence in 2018 with his album 'Bendero,' has termed the accusations as a conspiracy against him.
Resignation of La Carolina Councilor Over Domestic Violence Charges
In a related case in Spain, Rafael La Rubia, a councilor from the Popular Party (PP) in La Carolina, resigned following allegations of gender violence against his partner. Although his partner did not file a complaint, the protocol was activated when she sought medical assistance, leading to charges against La Rubia. The court imposed a restraining order and prohibited any communication between him and the alleged victim. The PP announced his resignation, emphasizing respect for the presumption of innocence, while the opposition PSOE demanded his immediate resignation.
Rafael La Rubia, who is a nurse and public official of the Andalusian Health Service, will face a quick trial. Should the court not agree with the prosecutor's request, a preliminary investigation procedure will commence. Meanwhile, support services are available for victims of gender violence, including a 24-hour helpline in multiple languages.
- The Paris Court of Appeal's decision to extend the period of alleged violence in Moha La Squale's case signifies the court's attention to nuances in domestic violence allegations. Such decisions reflect the complexities involved in legally addressing cases of prolonged abuse and psychological violence.
- The resignation of Rafael La Rubia highlights the increasing scrutiny and less tolerance towards public officials involved in domestic violence. This case serves as a reminder for the political community to uphold ethical standards and for the legal framework to effectively address and resolve such matters.
