Saad Lamjarred gets 10 years in prison for 2016 rape case
Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a French appeals court regarding a 2016 rape allegation.
Moroccan pop sensation Saad Lamjarred has been handed a 10-year prison sentence by an appeals court in Créteil, located southeast of Paris. The ruling, delivered on Saturday, pertains to an alleged rape incident that took place in 2016.
The Verdict and Legal Details
The 41-year-old singer was convicted of raping a woman in a Paris hotel room. The incident reportedly occurred after the two individuals met at a nightclub. This latest judicial decision marks a significant escalation in his legal troubles, as the 10-year term is four years longer than the initial six-year sentence handed down by a Paris court in 2023.
According to reports, French prosecutors had originally sought an eight-year sentence. The court found Lamjarred guilty of rape, noting that the crime was aggravated by his alcohol consumption at the time. Following the verdict, the singer was ordered into custody.
Defense and Future Legal Battles
Despite the heavy sentence, Lamjarred has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. His lawyer, Marie Burguburu, informed Agence France-Presse that the singer intends to challenge this ruling before France’s Court of Cassation.
The appeal process in Créteil was conducted behind closed doors. While the hearing was originally slated for June 2025, it was moved forward following additional investigations.
A History of Legal Allegations
This is not the first time the Moroccan star has faced serious legal scrutiny. His history includes:
- Morocco (2015): He faced allegations in separate proceedings.
- United States (2010): He was involved in a case involving allegations of sexual assault and rape, which was eventually closed following a financial settlement.
Global Stardom and Indian Connections
Even amidst these legal battles, Lamjarred remains a massive figure in the music industry, boasting over 15 million Instagram followers and approximately 16 million YouTube subscribers across the Arab world.
Interestingly, the singer had recently bridged the gap between Moroccan and Indian music markets. In April 2026, he released the cross-cultural single ‘Bezaf’, a collaboration featuring Indian actor and Bigg Boss star Shehnaaz Gill, along with vocals from Indian singer Neha Kakkar.