**”Rokia Traoré’s fight: between justice and parenthood”**
For several months, Malian artist Rokia Traoré has found herself at the heart of a complex legal conflict, mixing law and parenthood issues. Convicted by the Brussels Criminal Court for “non-representation of a child”, the singer is fighting for custody of her daughter born in 2015, from her relationship with Belgian playwright Jan Goossens.
Rokia Traoré’s recent appearance before the Brussels Criminal Court highlighted the high stakes of this case. Dressed soberly, but with tired features, the artist pleaded for a new trial, wishing this time to be present to assert her point of view. The current change of lawyer only adds an additional dimension to this complex case.
The request to postpone the examination of the application for a new trial was granted, setting a new hearing for 8 January 2025. However, the request for Rokia Traoré’s release pending this future trial was rejected, citing the risk of her being removed from Belgian justice. The arguments of the two parties diverge, between Jan Goossens’ quest to see the little girl and Rokia Traoré’s wish to find common ground for the sake of their child.
The situation raises deeper questions about the reconciliation between justice and parenthood. Beyond the legal aspects, it is the well-being of the child that must be placed at the centre of the debates. The separation of parents should not be synonymous with a breakdown of the parental bond, but rather an adaptation for the well-being of the child.
This case highlights the complexity of family matters and underlines the need for a balanced approach to guarantee the rights of children while respecting those of the parents. The balance between justice and parenthood is fragile, but essential to ensure a healthy and stable environment for the families concerned.
It remains to be hoped that this new trial will provide an opportunity for both parties to express themselves and find a solution that preserves the interests of each, in particular those of the child at the heart of this legal battle. The outcome of this case will have a significant impact on the lives of Rokia Traoré, Jan Goossens and especially their daughter, a symbol of the unbreakable yet often fragile bond that is the family.