After allegedly attacking a man in Stockholm, A$AP Rocky and two other men went on trial last month. The American rapper pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in Sweden. A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was taken into custody on 3rd July with the charge of assault. Prosecutors claimed in the court that Rakim and two suspects “deliberately, together, and in agreement” attacked Mustafa Jafari.
The three men are accused of pushing and kicking Jafari, and also hitting him with parts of a whole bottle. Various documents presented in the court showed Jafari’s bruises, cuts, and blood stained clothes. Jafari’s lawyer said that he did not initiate or provoke the assault.
News agencies claims that Mayers pleaded not guilty in Stockholm District Court saying he acted in self-defense. Even his lawyer claimed that there was no bottle used during the fight and that the violence was within the limits of law. Jafari is seeking $14,700 USD in damages for his lost income, injuries, and appearences. Also, since the case is drawing morw attention from both the public and media, the trial is taking place in a secure courtroom. Court has also restricted any filiming or photography during the proceedings. However, one can witness a large pool of reporters waiting outside the courtroom before the trial even starts.
This high profile case has attracted attention from many celebrities including President Trump, who said that he told Swedish Prime Minister he’d personally vouch for Mayer’s bail. However, bail does not exist within the Swedish criminal justice system, meaning Trump’s request to bail Mayers out is difficult to process.
Other artists including Justin Bieber also spoke out on Mayer’s behalf and said things in his favour. Justin also said that while he appreciate Trump is trying to help the rapper, he should also focus on the children being detained at the border.
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