Mos Def Has His Day In South African Court

Yasiin Bey (or Mos Def) went before a South African judge on Tuesday, to fight the case brought against him for having insufficient travel documents, a “world passport”, when trying to fly out of the country. 

Initially the rapper, real name Dante Terrel Smith, was turned away from the court when he refused to remove the turban he was wearing to allow for a security search. The 42 year old left, returning later with a striped scarf draped over his head and shoulders. Yasiin, also wore dark glasses, a black outfit, a charcoal jacket, and refused to speak to reporters and journalists.

Yasiin Bey has been living in Cape Town, South Africa with his family for several years. Unfortunately, his family’s visas expired in 2014. Bey also tried to leave the country using a “World Government of World Citizens” passport, which is not recognized. He is facing charges of using a false identity, and aiding and abetting his family to stay illegally in South Africa.

Prosecutors asked for a two-week postponement of the hearing, which the judge granted. Yasiin Bey remains free on bail until the next hearing on March 24. 

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