Paris court has sentenced 29-year-old rapper, Mohammed Sylla, known as MHD, to a 12-year prison term for his involvement in the murder of a young man in Paris.

The incident occurred on July 5, 2018, during a clash between rival groups, resulting in the deliberate hit-and-run of 23-year-old Loik K by a black Mercedes in Paris’ 10th arrondissement.

Subsequently, Loik K was subjected to a brutal beating and stabbing by approximately a dozen individuals, leading to his tragic death shortly after the attackers fled the scene. The car used in the crime was discovered abandoned and set on fire in a nearby parking lot, and it was determined to belong to the victim.

A witness captured the incident on video from a nearby window, depicting a man with dyed blonde hair wearing a Puma tracksuit. During this period, MHD had blonde hair and was associated with the sportswear brand Puma.

He faced charges related to the murder alongside eight co-defendants in a trial at the Paris Assizes.

Several witnesses identified MHD based on his hairstyle and sweatshirt, implicating him in the crime. Five of his co-defendants received sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years for their roles in the murder, while three others were acquitted.

The prosecution had originally sought an 18-year prison term for MHD.

Following the verdict, MHD’s legal team declined to comment, but those convicted have a 10-day window to file an appeal. As the judgment was delivered, some women in the courtroom broke down in tears. MHD hugged one of them, maintaining his composure.

“From the beginning, I have maintained my innocence in this case and I will continue to maintain my innocence,” the rapper proclaimed his innocence one last time, AFP reported.

Under the judicial system, MHD must spend at least a year and a half in prison before becoming eligible for release under judicial supervision.

MHD gained recognition for pioneering afro-trap, a fusion of hip-hop and African traditions, and swiftly rose to stardom, not only in France but also internationally, garnering praise from artists such as Madonna and Drake

https://thewillnews.com/french-court-sentences-rapper-mhd-to-12-years-imprisonment/