Donald Trump Says He Will Try To Help A$AP Rocky In Sweden
UPDATE: In a week that began with the U.S. State Department saying it was looking into A$AP Rocky’s continued incarceration in a Swedish detention center, for his role in an altercation that may have been self-defense, the matter has now risen to the head of the Executive Branch. President Donald Trump says that, at the behest of the First Lady, Melania Trump, as well as celebrities like Kanye West and his wife, Kim Kardashian, he intends to intervene on Rocky’s behalf.
“I will be calling the very talented Prime Minister of Sweden to see what we can do about helping A$AP Rocky,” said Trump in a tweet. “So many people would like to see this quickly resolved!”
If the President does in fact, intervene, it would not be the first time he has done so, at the urging of celebrities. In June of 2018, the President granted clemency to Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year-old woman serving life in prison for a nonviolent drug conviction, also at the urging of Kardashian.
Ambrosia For Heads will continue to provide relevant updates, as this situation develops.
ORIGINAL JULY 15 STORY: A$AP Rocky remains in solitary confinement at a Swedish detention center during an ongoing investigation surrounding a June 30 altercation on the streets of Stockholm. Captured on video and shared on social media by A$AP Rocky, the artist in town for a concert was followed by two men who other bystanders accused of wrongdoings. There were several attempts by Rocky and members of his entourage to walk away from the men. Despite requests and warnings, the two men continued to stalk the artist. At one point, one of the men hurls his headphones at Rocky’s security guard who was trying to deescalate the situation and ask for space. Another video, published by Swedish newspaper, Aftonbladet, showed what appears to be an ensuing altercation. That video was edited to obscure the identities of the men, but show Rocky’s. In the latest development, the United States State Department is now taking action on behalf of one of its citizens, 30-year Rakim Mayers.
Politico reports that Secretary Of State Mike Pompeo has been briefed of Rocky’s situation following a July 2 arrest. “Top officials at the department, including Robert O’Brien, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, are also closely monitoring the situation and working to make sure the rapper is treated fairly,” Daniel Lippman writes in the report.
A$AP Rocky Is Reportedly Being Held In Inhumane Conditions In Sweden
“There are certainly some facts about the arrest and detention that raise concerns,” the State Department spokesperson told the publication. “We expect all governments, including Sweden, to treat American citizens fairly and with respect. … We hope to see A$AP Rocky and his colleagues back on tour and reunited with friends and family soon.”
Rocky’s lawyer, Alan Jackson, tells Politico, “President Trump has made bringing home unjustly held Americans a top priority for his administration. The State Department’s interest in the case gives us great hope for Rocky’s situation.” He continues, “Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador O’Brien have been relentless in their diplomatic efforts on behalf of American citizens being held all over the world. Rocky’s millions of fans worldwide are putting their trust in the State Department to get Rocky home.” A representative for Rocky alleges that Article 36 of the Vienna Convention was ignored in the arrest and detainment. That stipulates that Consular Relations require signatory countries to notify consular officials upon arresting a foreign citizen immediately. Accounts allege that Rocky was denied immediate access to the US consulate. When the parties were able to meet, they were allegedly denied privacy due to supervision from jail officials. Other reports have suggested that the artist has been held in inhumane conditions, including substandard water, food, and sanitation.
A$AP Rocky May Face 6 Years In Prison For Allegedly Defending Himself
The report adds that by Friday (July 19), Swedish officials must decide whether to charge Rocky or seek further detainment through the local courts.
Page Six reported last week that the two men seen on video following Rocky and his entourage (and later, hurling headphones at his security guard) are under investigation for assault and m*lestation (due to allegations that the latter charge is not sexual, but the term used in Swedish law. The report does not state the men’s names or confirm their whereabouts while Rocky remains in solitary confinement in a Swedish jail.
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Author: Bandini
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