Rapper Moha La Squale, indicted for spousal rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and death threats against a spouse, was placed in pre-trial detention on Friday in Paris after his arrest in Germany, the prosecution announced on Saturday February 10.
Moha La Squale, 28, whose real name is Mohamed Bellhamed, was arrested on a European arrest warrant on December 31 in Germany, on the border with Poland, according to the public prosecutor. He had been on the run for several weeks. He had gone across the Rhine when he had to respect a house arrest under electronic surveillance linked to his indictment in Paris.
Handed over to the French authorities on Thursday, he was questioned on Friday by an investigating judge then appeared before a judge of freedoms and detention who placed him in pre-trial detention, as requested by the prosecution.
His lawyer, Me Elise Arfi, did not wish to comment.
Six women filed a complaint
The rapper has been indicted since June 2021 for sexual assault and violence against former partners. In July 2022, he was also indicted for rape, a criminal qualification, against another ex-partner.
According to a source close to the case, the investigation ended “a few months ago”. At least six women have filed complaints.
Since the closure of the investigations, the parties to the case can make observations before the public prosecutor makes its submissions. At least one woman asked that the courts retain the charge of attempted murder against her, a source close to the case told Agence France-Presse. She said Moha La Squale tried to suffocate her with a pillow and verbally threatened to kill her.
In April 2021, Moha La Squale defended himself on “This plot was perpetuated (sic) to harm me,” he argued.