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10/26/2004:

"Wemba in court on people smuggling charges"

Paris - Papa Wemba, "the King of Rhumba Rock" and star of world music, appeared in court near Paris on Tuesday accused of taking money to smuggle scores of his fellow Congolese into France.

Wemba, 55, denied the charges of "people trafficking" but admitted he had, "for humanitarian reasons", helped seven people to enter the country posing as backing musicians and road engineers.

The Congolese star, known for his high-pitched voice and extravagant taste in designer fashions, faces similar accusations in Belgium where he now lives. If convicted in France, he faces up to 10 years in jail and a €750 000 fine.

Full Article : iol.co.za