The Bushido Arafat trial is now in its fourth year

By Anne Losensky

Day 102 in the trial of clan chief Arafat (47) and his brothers. In December 2017 he is said to have demanded several million euros from rapper Anis “Bushido” Ferchichi (44) as compensation for the end of their long-term “business relationship”, which had made the two multimillionaires.

In court it is about attempted severe extortion, dangerous bodily harm, deprivation of liberty, insult. Arafat was considered Bushido’s “manager”, his brothers Nasser (49), Rommel (42) and Yasser (39) are accused of aiding and abetting. The clan chief and his brothers remain silent to this day. Bushido is said to have been locked up on January 18, 2018, and thrown at him with a bottle and chair.

Tax consultant Anja P. (41) testifies. Has Bushido ever told her about it? “He used to be alone with me. I asked how he was. He went very still. lowered his head. turned away Had glassy eyes.” She doesn’t think she can remember more.

Did he talk about threats, insults? “Don’t know.” In 2019 she testified to the police: “I think Arafat told him to finish him off.”

That’s what it says in the files. There is also her statement: “He also indicated that there was physical violence.” She says today: “No memory.” The judge: “Odd. Memory of tears but not content. Seems strange to me…” She then, cryptically: “Maybe for self-protection, to finish with these things.”

How long has she known Arafat? “I can’t say anything about that.” Since when has Bushido? “January 2013.” Both were advised by her. How were they with each other? “Normal business partners.” The senior public prosecutor (slight reproach in her voice): “You reported to the police that Bushido said that Arafat locked the door and put the key in his pocket!” , but I don’t want to say anything wrong…” The senior public prosecutor: “You also said at the time that Bushido said he was afraid!” The tax consultant: “Then maybe I remembered it then. Not today.”

The rapper and his manager – a heart and soul on the red carpet. The legend is also knitted in the film “Times change you” (2010 based on Bushido’s autobiography). With the likeable actor Moritz Bleibtreu in the role of Arafat Abou Chaker. Bushido only publicly revealed in the summer of 2020: All lies!

The rapper says in the process: “Arafat wanted a percentage of everything I ever earn! He got loud…” That was in June 2004. “From then on I had to give Arafat a 30 percent stake. I was forced. Without a contract.” So much for “thick friendship”, Bushido: “Of course it was presented differently in public. I didn’t tell anyone the real story. Not even my wife or my lawyer.”

Bushido as a cash cow and ATM: “There was never any mention of management. He was just sharing my earnings. I withdrew the money for him in cash, it wasn’t recorded for his tax purposes. I was the only one paying taxes. If I got 100,000 euros, 30,000 euros would go to Arafat in cash, without an invoice. 50,000 euros to the tax office, I kept 20,000 euros.” Millions went black over the table.

That’s why the criminal trial is only the starting signal for something bigger: the black money swamp in the rap music business is getting down to business with Bushido as a celebrity key witness, i.e. money. The tax investigation collects several million euros over the years, several millions in fines are paid, several convictions are final.

Even before the trial begins on August 17, 2020, Bushido publicly settles accounts with the clan boss. He calls him “Mephisto” and raps about Arafat’s worldview: “I don’t want much from you, just your soul in the end.”