Rabat – As the court case unfolds, Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred continues to deny the rape and assault accusations made against him by French national Laura Prioul, who made her complaint in October 2016.
On February 22, the Moroccan singer appeared before the Parisian court again to give his own testimony — with French media describing him as “more comfortable” and “less tense” than on the first day of the trial.
“I am not saying Laura is lying, but maybe she was wrong,” he stated in court.
Lamjarred claimed that he “never penetrated” the complainant, but acknowledged that they “kissed repeatedly.”
He also added that Prioul allowed him to “undress” and “helped” him to do so.
“They never went any further, because suddenly, for some reason, he doesn’t know why the young woman scratched him on the back.”
The singer continued: “I had a bad reflex that I regret today; brutally pushed her face away. I am ashamed. No man should hit a woman,” he added.
He also directly apologized to the complainant in court.
“I am sorry for this unintentional violence. I didn’t mean to make you sad or make you cry. Laura, I’m not better than you. I try to smile, to make videos, but I don’t want to smile,” he said in court.
With the trial ongoing to determine the circumstances of the case, many journalists representing French media are attending the court and sharing a series of tweets, documenting the singer, the judge, and the complainants’ statements.
Journalist at RFI Marine de La Moisonniere, quoted the defense, stressing that Lamjarred “never missed a single judicial appointment” and respected his “judicial review.”
“Since the start of the trial, he has answered all questions and has shown total cooperation,” Lamjarred’s lawyer Jean-Marc Fedida said today during the singer’s trial.
The judge stressed that the singer will make his last statement before the jury tomorrow and asked him “if he was able to say everything he wanted to say.”
Answering the judge’s question, Lamjarred said: “I never ever ever ever penetrated Laura P. neither with my finger nor with my sex,” he said.
The verdict in Saad Lamjarred’s case is expected to be announced on Friday.
If convicted, Lamjarred faces up to 20 years in prison.
Lamjarred is one of Morocco’s popular singers, with many songs that have garnered a record number of views worldwide.
Some of his songs attracted millions of views, including Enta Maalam, El Hala’, and Ensssa among many others.
