French court raises Saad Lamjarred's rape sentence to 10 years

The Créteil Court of Appeal sentenced Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred to 10 years in prison for rape on Saturday, increasing the 2023 six-year penalty.

• The court ordered Lamjarred's immediate detention, convicting him of rape under aggravated circumstances including alcohol influence.
• Defense lawyer Marie Bourgoburo said Lamjarred maintains his innocence and will appeal the verdict to the Court of Cassation.
• The claimant's lawyer, David Shimi, said the harsher penalty reflected the jury's reaction to what he described as an aggressive defense strategy.
• A separate court sentenced Lamjarred in May to five years for a 2018 rape; he has appealed that verdict.