A popular rapper in France known as MHD has been given a 12-year jail term for the murder of a young man in Paris in 2018. The 29-year-old, whose real name is Mohamed Sylla, was found guilty of involvement in the gang-related murder of Loic K, 23, by a court in the capital. The rapper was charged with voluntary manslaughter in 2019 after the victim was knocked down by MHD’s Mercedes, then beaten and stabbed to death by a crowd of about 12 people. MHD was arrested on 15 January 2019 and two days later indicted and charged with second-degree murder. The rapper continued to plead his innocence up to and including on the day of his sentencing, according to the AFP news agency. “From the beginning, I have maintained my innocence in this case and I will continue to maintain my innocence,” he reportedly said. He was tried alongside eight co-defendants, out of which three were acquitted, while five others received sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, according to The Guardian. MHD said he was never at the scene of the murder, arguing that the case against him was based on rumours. However, a video shot by a local resident showed a car during the incident which was later identified as belonging to MHD. Other witnesses identified him by his haircut and a jumper. The incident was earlier reported as a fight between two rival street gangs. Arguing his innocence, his lawyer cited his “lack of a judicial record” and affirmed he has “never been involved in fights between street gangs”. It was not immediately clear whether the rapper or others sentenced will challenge the decision. MHD is known for blending trap music with the music of West Africa in a genre he coined “Afro Trap”. He started his career at the age of 18 and soon rose to fame with his music videos on YouTube. Read More French activists protest racism and police brutality while officers are on guard for key events Security guard stabbed rapper to death at party attended by hundreds, jury hears Fans believe they’ve unearthed proof of Kim Kardashian’s Drake crush in new video Six young activists devote years to climate fight with 32 governments. Now comes their day in court Lots of dignitaries but no real fireworks as the Asian Games open French activists protest racism and police brutality while officers are on guard for key events

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Carlee Russell’s story about being abducted after stopping at the side of a road to help a distressed toddler was a lie, her lawyer has said in a statement. The 25-year-old from Alabama told police she was kidnapped after stopping to help a toddler in diapers who was walking alone on Interstate 459 on the evening of 13 July. She came back home two days after the alleged abduction. Her family had stuck by her story, even after police publicly expressed scepticism. However, Hoover Police Department Chief Nicholas Derzis on Monday said Ms Russell’s attorney, Emory Anthony, had now provided a statement on Monday saying there was no kidnapping The statement in part read: “There was no kidnapping on Thursday July 13. My client did not see a baby on the side on the road.” Earlier CrimeStoppers walked back a pledge to return almost $63,000 in donations to help find Carlee Russell after the 25-year-old’s kidnapping story fell under suspicion. More than $63,000 was raised during the two-day search for the Alabama woman. But the organisation that offers anonymous tips about criminal activity now said the money will not be returned after initially making the promise. Read More Carlee Russell sent several bizarre tweets before disappearing Alabama lawyer says police is using ‘every other synonym for lie except saying she lied’ in Carlee Russell case Boyfriend of Carlee Russell deletes social media posts after police cast doubt over her kidnapping story Police doubt Carlee Russell’s kidnapping claims. Could she face consequences?

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