By : Lloyd Mahachi

Renowned Malian singer Rokia Traore is facing extradition to Belgium following Italy’s court decision, stemming from a child custody dispute. Her lawyer claims that the procedure is unjust, citing contradictions in the Belgian court’s handling of the case. This is not the first time Traore has faced arrest over this dispute; she was previously detained in France in 2020 under similar circumstances.

Traore’s case has sparked concerns about international child custody disputes and extradition procedures. The dispute revolves around Traore’s daughter, who currently lives with her mother in Mali. The Belgian father, Traore’s estranged former partner, was granted custody by a Belgian court. However, Traore failed to comply with the court order, leading to her arrest and subsequent extradition proceedings.

Traore’s extradition to Belgium is imminent, with her lawyer vowing to continue fighting for her rights internationally. The singer’s arrest in Italy on June 21st followed a Belgian conviction in the child custody case. As the battle for Traore’s rights moves to Brussels, supporters anxiously await the outcome. With Traore’s reputation as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations’ refugee agency UNHCR, this case has drawn significant attention to the complexities of international child custody disputes.

Traore’s lawyer argues that the Belgian court’s conviction was handed down in her absence, contradicting Italian constitutional principles and international conventions. This raises questions about the fairness of the procedure and the handling of international child custody disputes. The outcome of Traore’s case will have significant implications for future cases involving international child custody disputes and extradition procedures.

The international community is watching closely as Traore’s case unfolds. The United Nations’ refugee agency UNHCR has not publicly commented on the case, but Traore’s reputation as a goodwill ambassador has brought attention to the complexities of international child custody disputes. As the case moves forward, Traore’s lawyer remains committed to fighting for her rights and ensuring that justice is served.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi