The ongoing legal saga surrounding renowned Malian musician Rokia Traoré has taken a serious turn as she has been detained in Belgium as part of a protracted child custody dispute. The 50-year-old singer was reportedly extradited from Italy to Belgium, where she faces a two-year prison sentence stemming from a parental abduction charge. The tumultuous saga began in 2020 when Traoré was first arrested in France due to a Belgian arrest warrant linked to her failure to comply with a court order regarding the custody of her daughter.
Malian Music Icon Rokia Traoré Detained in Belgium Amid Custody Battle
Malian Music Icon Rokia Traoré Detained in Belgium Amid Custody Battle
Malian singer Rokia Traoré finds herself in prison in Belgium due to a child custody dispute, following her extradition from Italy, highlighting the complexities of international custody laws.
Following her conditional release, Traoré left France for Mali on a private flight, which was a breach of the travel restrictions placed on her until the extradition process was completed. Last October, a Belgian court sentenced her in absentia for neglecting to return her child to her ex-partner, Jan Goossens, who holds custody rights.
In June, while preparing for a concert in Rome, Traoré was arrested for the outstanding charges after a European arrest warrant was issued. An Italian court subsequently approved her extradition to Belgium, which was finalized after her appeal was dismissed last week, resulting in her current imprisonment.
Traoré's daughter, now nine years old, has been residing in Mali since she was four. Reports indicate that Goossens has not had contact with their daughter during this period. When Traoré was initially detained, she had intentions to challenge the custody ruling in court. Hence, the Malian government has intervened in support of Traoré, emphasizing her diplomatic status.
Her attorney, Vincent Lurquin, asserts that Traoré plans to appeal the conviction, which could lead to another trial. Both parties are reportedly seeking a resolution that prioritizes their daughter's welfare, hoping to avoid any further incarceration. The Belgian prosecutor's office confirmed that Traoré will remain in custody pending the developments of her appeal.
Rokia Traoré is celebrated not only for her music, having received multiple accolades including the BBC Award for World Music, but also for her humanitarian efforts, holding the title of goodwill ambassador for the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees since 2015. The situation continues to unfold, drawing attention to the challenges faced by artists in navigating personal and legal turmoil.
In June, while preparing for a concert in Rome, Traoré was arrested for the outstanding charges after a European arrest warrant was issued. An Italian court subsequently approved her extradition to Belgium, which was finalized after her appeal was dismissed last week, resulting in her current imprisonment.
Traoré's daughter, now nine years old, has been residing in Mali since she was four. Reports indicate that Goossens has not had contact with their daughter during this period. When Traoré was initially detained, she had intentions to challenge the custody ruling in court. Hence, the Malian government has intervened in support of Traoré, emphasizing her diplomatic status.
Her attorney, Vincent Lurquin, asserts that Traoré plans to appeal the conviction, which could lead to another trial. Both parties are reportedly seeking a resolution that prioritizes their daughter's welfare, hoping to avoid any further incarceration. The Belgian prosecutor's office confirmed that Traoré will remain in custody pending the developments of her appeal.
Rokia Traoré is celebrated not only for her music, having received multiple accolades including the BBC Award for World Music, but also for her humanitarian efforts, holding the title of goodwill ambassador for the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees since 2015. The situation continues to unfold, drawing attention to the challenges faced by artists in navigating personal and legal turmoil.
