Cheb Mami weeps during Paris trial
2009-07-02
Algerian rai superstar Cheb Mami, aka Mohammed Khalifati, entered a French courtroom around 10 am Thursday (June 2nd) for what could be a one-day assault trial. Mami is accused of a forced-abortion attempt on his ex-girlfriend in 2005.
Mami, who has been jailed since his arrest Monday evening upon arrival in Paris, appeared pale and shed tears during the first questions, L'Express reported. Asked about why he left France to return to Algeria in 2007 after posting bond of 200,000 euros, he said, "My mother was sick, I missed my family." He added, "I made a mistake."
"In my head, I always said I would be there the day of reckoning," Mami told the court. He faces up to ten years in prison and a 150,000-euro fine.
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DEK NASRE Posted 2009-07-06
It is useless to cry. He ought to be judged for at least three offenses: assault on his partner, fleeing arrest and, even if it was a foetus', trying to take a life. What happened to him in his home in Saïda shows he did not learn about the finer things in life, which ruined him. This is not abnormal when you come from his group. He ruined his childhood with his behaviour. He pretends to have made a mistake, but this is wrong: he thought he had political protection. He strutted down the streets of Algiers, in nightclubs and in luxurious restaurants, thinking he would go unpunished. Life is sacred and I hope he will have some time to learn this well and think about it wherever he will be for the next five years. And, may he hide himself afterwards. He should no longer show his monkey's face; he should keep it to himself and his kind.
يونس البوعناني Posted 2009-08-20
As the Moroccan proverb says “the offender deserves punishment”. I don't defend the French woman who was subject to an abortion attempt by Cheb Mami but I support justice. He has committed serious offenses which damage the reputation of the Algerian people. I hope he will face what he deserves.
خديجة Posted 2009-09-06
Salam alikum. Blessed Ramadan. It is enough for Cheb Mami what he is enduring now. At least he was judged in public, he acknowledged his mistake and showed regret at least apparently. No one has the right to insult him because in spite of everyone he will remain and will keep the title of prince and his fans all over the world. God loves him because he is judged in this life. Life will teach him the toughest and most violent lessons. We all know there are thousand of criminals whose filthiness has deteriorated without any judgment. But as an Arab and Muslim man he deserves a prayer of mercy and guidance. We must stop insulting each other. We shouldn't let the opportunity to anyone to attack us. Yes we don't like injustice but we must keep up with our values. Support your brother oppressor or oppressed!!
Anonymous Posted 2009-09-18
May God have mercy on him, forgive him and make him an example to others. Anyway, it is better he pays for his acts in this life rather than the afterlife.
بيروكي مصطفى Posted 2009-10-07
Support your brother oppressive or oppressed. The Algerian people and state should support.
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