American hip hop artist, Mos Def to appear in court trial after the South African Immigration authorities arrested him for attempting to leave the country with a "world passport". The local officials said on Wednesday that the rapper is still detained in the country.
Dante Terrel Smith, also known with the names, Yasiin Bey and Mos Def, a 42-year old American rapper, actor and activist was arrested in Cape Town last week after trying to fly to Ethiopia, Yahoo News reported. With the bail of 5,000 rand ($300), the rapper was later released.
According to Reuters, Mos Def will stand in the South African court trial on the 8th of March, the local immigration officials said on Wednesday. The Home Affairs Department explains, the World Passport is a document issued by a non-profit organization called World Service Authority. South Africa does not recognize it as well they do not allow anyone to use it as a travel document.
The American rapper sees the charges against him as "illogical and unjust" on which he posted an audio message through the help of fellow rapper, Kanye West on his official website.
According to Billboard, the Brooklyn rapper talked about his arrest, conspiracy theories as well as makes a vow to retire in the music industry. "I committed no crime, why is the state wasting my time," he continued on, before thanking Kanye for "being a real friend" to him.
Mos Def, also uses the name Yassin Bey, and facing charges for using a false identity. He was also accused for "aiding and abetting his family to stay illegally in South Africa". The rapper also claims he is banned from flying out of the country and the authorities want to deport his family.
The American hip hop artist also suggests in his audio message, pointing the blame to "political motivations" for his problem. "I haven't broken any law but I'm being treated like a criminal," he said. Mos Def also declares his retirement in the music recording industry and the announced of releasing his final album.
