Renowned Malian singer Rokia Traore, who was arrested in Italy over three weeks ago due to an international child custody dispute, has made an appeal to European Union judges to resist an extradition request from Belgium, according to her lawyer. Traore, 50, is one of Africa’s most celebrated vocalists and serves as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations’ refugee agency, UNHCR.
Traore was detained on June 20 at Rome’s Fiumicino airport under a European arrest warrant. She had been sentenced to two years in prison in Belgium last October in connection with a child custody battle. Since her arrest at Fiumicino, she has been held in a jail in Civitavecchia, near the Italian capital. The singer had traveled to Italy to perform a concert outside Rome’s Colosseum.
“Ms. Traore was sentenced in Belgium in her absence and without the certainty that she had knowledge of the trial. Even worse, the trial took place without a defense lawyer,” her Italian lawyer, Maddalena Del Re, stated. This situation constitutes a possible ground for opposition to her extradition, Del Re added, noting that she had requested the Luxembourg-based EU court to rule on the matter, as it has jurisdiction over EU-wide arrest warrants.
Meanwhile, a prosecutor at Rome’s appeal court has agreed that Traore may leave prison in favor of house arrest if she can find a home in Rome, according to her lawyer. The singer was first arrested in France in 2020 on a Belgian arrest warrant after failing to comply with a court order to hand over her daughter to her Belgian father, the artist’s estranged former partner.
Months after she was conditionally released, Traore flew to Mali on a private flight, defying orders not to leave France until her extradition case was processed. Her daughter, who is 9 years old, currently lives in Mali. Traore hopes to be reunited with her “as soon as possible,” Del Re said.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Traore’s prominence in the music world and her role as a humanitarian. Known for her unique blend of traditional Malian music with contemporary influences, Traore has been a vocal advocate for refugees and displaced persons through her work with the UNHCR.
The legal battle over her extradition highlights the complexities of international child custody disputes and the challenges faced by individuals navigating multiple legal systems. Traore’s situation underscores the potential for legal and procedural discrepancies when cases are handled across different jurisdictions.
Traore’s appeal to the European Union court is a critical step in her fight against extradition. Her legal team argues that the trial in Belgium was conducted without her knowledge and without proper legal representation, which they believe should invalidate the extradition request. The outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
As Traore awaits the court’s decision, her supporters and fans continue to rally behind her, emphasizing her contributions to music and humanitarian efforts. The case has sparked discussions about the rights of individuals in international legal disputes and the importance of ensuring fair and just legal processes.
Traore’s situation also brings to light the broader issue of child custody disputes involving parents from different countries. These cases often involve complex legal, cultural, and emotional factors, making them particularly challenging to resolve. The involvement of international courts and legal systems adds another layer of complexity, as different countries may have varying laws and procedures regarding child custody and extradition.
In the meantime, Traore remains hopeful for a resolution that will allow her to reunite with her daughter and continue her work as an artist and advocate. Her case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the need for legal systems to work together to ensure justice and fairness for all parties involved.
As the European Union court considers Traore’s appeal, the outcome will be closely watched by legal experts, human rights advocates, and the international community. The decision will not only impact Traore’s future but could also influence how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially leading to changes in how international child custody disputes and extradition requests are managed.
Source: Reuters
