Extradition decision for exiled rapper on September 17

Defense for hip hop artist Valtònyc, currently awaiting a ruling in Belgium, expressed “optimism”

Valtònyc speaks to the press in Ghent, Belgium, after hearing on September 3 2018 (by Blanca Blay)
Valtònyc speaks to the press in Ghent, Belgium, after hearing on September 3 2018 (by Blanca Blay) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

September 3, 2018 12:58 PM

A Belgian judge has announced a date when rapper Valtònyc can expect a decision on his extradition order from Spain: September 17. The announcement was made following a hearing in Ghent on September 3.

Meanwhile, the defense for musician Josep Miquel Arenas, his real name, has stated they are “optimistic.” Attorney Simon Bekaert evaluated the hearing positively, as they feel that the conditions to carry out the extradition order are not met.

Prosecution does not see terrorism in actions

The actions for which Valtònyc was sentenced to three and a half years in prison in Spain “do not constitute a crime in Belgium,” explained Bekaert.

The Belgian prosecution has already advanced that they do not see the crime of terrorism in Valtònyc’s case, also argued by the hip-hop artist’s defense.

“If you want to threaten someone, you don’t write them a song,” says Valtònyc

In an interview with Catalan broadcaster TV3, Valtonyc expressed satisfaction at the Belgian justice system and his treatment, additionally faulting that of Spain for accusing him of terrorism and being “politicized.”