Advocate Bart Swier pleaded for Ali B’s acquittal in all cases against him, citing the unreliability of the statements made by the three women accusing him. Ali Bouali is facing trial for two assaults and two rapes. There is a report of a rape in 2014 in Morocco by singer Ellen ten Damme. Jill Helena, known as an artist from The Voice of Holland, filed a complaint of assault in 2018 in Amsterdam. Additionally, there is also an accusation of assault and rape of Naomi in Heiloo in 2018.
The Public Prosecutor this morning demanded a 3-year prison sentence for Ali B. The prosecution painted a picture of a dominant and manipulative person who does not accept rejection. They argued that the statements of the three victims are reliable and supported by other negative sexual experiences involving Ali B.
In his defense, the rapper’s lawyer requested acquittal in all three cases, claiming there is no conclusive evidence. The lawyer also suggested that the women may have been influenced by a specific broadcast. He argued that Naomi’s statements of abuse in Heiloo were inconsistent and unreliable, raising doubts about the validity of the charges.
Regarding Jill Helena’s case, the lawyer stated that there was no evidence of assault based on her initial report. He acknowledged that physical contact occurred but denied any coercion. The defense highlighted the lack of evidence due to the delayed report which hindered the availability of crucial data like surveillance footage and phone records.
The lawyer further challenged Ellen ten Damme’s account, suggesting that she was influenced by the investigator to provide a biased statement. He emphasized discrepancies in the testimonies and questioned the credibility of a new witness who surfaced during the trial.
The defense attorneys representing the victims responded to the defense’s arguments, with Mr. Jager, Ellen ten Damme’s lawyer, accusing Ali B of using his influence to intimidate and manipulate the victims. The lawyer criticized the defendant’s behavior in demanding interaction with the victims during the proceedings.
Ali B, emotionally addressing the court, expressed his confusion over the accusations, claiming he did not see any warning signs from the women. He stressed the contradiction between his previous relationships with Jill Helena and Ellen ten Damme and the current allegations. He appealed to the judge for fairness and truth, declaring the court as his last hope for justice.
Ali B’s poignant words conveyed his willingness to pray for the women and extend an open invitation for communication, regardless of the court’s decision. Despite the ongoing legal battle, he expressed faith in the judicial system and his commitment to seeking the truth. The court is set to deliver its verdict on July 12. This trial has sparked public interest and raised questions about the complexities of addressing sexual assault allegations within the entertainment industry. It underscores the importance of thorough investigations and preserving the rights of both the accused and the accusers in pursuit of justice.