Malian Singer Rokia Traore to be Released from Belgian Prison
After a tumultuous legal battle, Malian singer-songwriter Rokia Traore is finally set to be released from a Belgian prison. Traore, known for her soulful voice and poetic lyrics, was detained in Rome last year and subsequently extradited to Belgium to serve a two-year prison sentence for parental abduction. The charge stemmed from a legal dispute with the Belgian father of her nine-year-old daughter.
The talented 50-year-old musician, celebrated for her unique vocal style and captivating performances, was sentenced in absentia by a Brussels court in 2023. This legal saga began when Traore was arrested in France in 2020 on a Belgian warrant related to the same custody dispute.
Despite her legal troubles, Traore remains a respected figure in the music industry and beyond. As a former UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, she has used her platform to advocate for refugees and raise awareness about global humanitarian issues.
Throughout her career, Traore has received numerous accolades, including the 2004 BBC Award for World Music and the 2009 World Music Album of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique, France’s prestigious music awards. Her music continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.
