Donald Trump promises to ‘vouch’ for A$AP Rocky ‘bail’

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Donald Trump promises to ‘vouch’ for A$AP Rocky ‘bail’

July 20, 2019 | 10:49am | Updated

President Trump said he would “personally vouch” for rapper A$AP Rocky’s “bail.”

The commander-in-chief said Saturday he made the promise in a phone call with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven.

“Just had a very good call with @SwedishPM Stefan Löfven who assured me that American citizen A$AP Rocky will be treated fairly,” Trump tweeted. “Likewise, I assured him that A$AP was not a flight risk and offered to personally vouch for his bail, or an alternative.

“Our teams will be talking further, and we agreed to speak again in the next 48 hours!”

Löfven’s office stated, “It was a friendly and respectful phone call which lasted about 20 minutes.

“The Prime Minister made sure to point out … the government neither can nor will try to influence the judicial process.”


Sweden doesn’t actually have a bail system, according to experts.

“I assume that people think we have a bail system and he was denied bail,” Dennis Martinsson, a senior law lecturer at Stockholm University, told Time Magazine. “We don’t have that system, so the only option is detention.”

Rocky, a platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated artist whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been in jail since July 5 while Swedish authorities investigate a fight he was allegedly involved in in Stockholm before appearing at a music festival.

It was not clear who else was involved, but videos published on social media appeared to show a person being violently thrown onto the ground by Rocky. A defense lawyer has said it was self-defense.

The president credited First Lady Melania Trump for his decision to get involved in Rocky’s case.

“Actually, the one who knew about A$AP Rocky was our first lady, right? She was telling me about — ‘Can you help A$AP Rocky?’” Trump said Friday.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West also lobbied the White House to get Rocky freed.

A Swedish judge ruled Friday that Rocky and two members of his entourage will remain in jail until July 25.

[GUCCI CONDOMS]

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Donald Trump promises to ‘vouch’ for A$AP Rocky ‘bail’

July 20, 2019 | 10:49am | Updated

President Trump said he would “personally vouch” for rapper A$AP Rocky’s “bail.”

The commander-in-chief said Saturday he made the promise in a phone call with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven.

“Just had a very good call with @SwedishPM Stefan Löfven who assured me that American citizen A$AP Rocky will be treated fairly,” Trump tweeted. “Likewise, I assured him that A$AP was not a flight risk and offered to personally vouch for his bail, or an alternative.

“Our teams will be talking further, and we agreed to speak again in the next 48 hours!”

Löfven’s office stated, “It was a friendly and respectful phone call which lasted about 20 minutes.

“The Prime Minister made sure to point out … the government neither can nor will try to influence the judicial process.”


Sweden doesn’t actually have a bail system, according to experts.

“I assume that people think we have a bail system and he was denied bail,” Dennis Martinsson, a senior law lecturer at Stockholm University, told Time Magazine. “We don’t have that system, so the only option is detention.”

Rocky, a platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated artist whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been in jail since July 5 while Swedish authorities investigate a fight he was allegedly involved in in Stockholm before appearing at a music festival.

It was not clear who else was involved, but videos published on social media appeared to show a person being violently thrown onto the ground by Rocky. A defense lawyer has said it was self-defense.

The president credited First Lady Melania Trump for his decision to get involved in Rocky’s case.

“Actually, the one who knew about A$AP Rocky was our first lady, right? She was telling me about — ‘Can you help A$AP Rocky?’” Trump said Friday.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West also lobbied the White House to get Rocky freed.

A Swedish judge ruled Friday that Rocky and two members of his entourage will remain in jail until July 25.

Our Dear Leader

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G-EAZY
Sweden's Treatment Of A$Ap Rocky ...
PROVES WHITE PRIVILEGE, RACISM
7/19/2019 3:38 PM PT

G-Eazy just showed enormous support for A$AP -- posting our story with a powerful message -- saying, "Facts. This is the sad truth ... The difference between me and Rocky's treatment and process in Sweden brings to mind two concepts that disgustingly go hand in hand: white privilege and systematic racism."

He continues, "Let's call it what it is. He should not be behind bars right now. My heart goes out to my brother @asaprocky and his team. We're riding for y'all. #JusticeForRocky #FreeRocky."

11:34 AM PT -- Jada Pinkett Smith's weighing in on the situation after apparently just learning about G-Eazy's experience in Sweden compared to Rocky's ... saying, "We got the message loud and clear Sweden. Trust me ... we got it."

[I Smell Like Un Kasa]

Trump, Kim, Kayne, Asap Faggy: Lock them all the fuck up in Swedish Hall Prison.

peace to the

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6:12 AM PT -- TMZ has obtained photos of the alleged victim's alleged injuries ... injuries that formed the basis of the assault charge against A$AP Rocky. You see a bloody arm, a bloody finger, blood on the back of an arm and a streak of blood on a bicep. There's also a gash on another body part and various cuts.

3:46 AM PT -- The prosecutor tells TMZ ... he will NOT recommend the full 2 year sentence if A$AP is convicted. He won't say what his recommendation will be -- he says it depends on how the trial unfolds. As for the trial, he's recommending it begin next Tuesday, and continue Thursday and Friday. BTW, a panel of 4 judges will hear the case, and at least 3 of them must decide an assault was committed for a conviction. If it's a tie, the prosecutor can ask for a new trial. If Rocky is convicted, a judge will decide the sentence a week later.

The Swedes have a fucked up view of justice.

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A$AP Rocky's Alleged Victim Has Criminal Assault Record
A$AP ROCKY
ALLEGED VICTIM HAS CRIMINAL ASSAULT RECORD

The man at the center of the A$AP Rocky assault case -- the man who provoked the rapper and even attacked him before A$AP reluctantly snapped back -- was convicted of criminal assault in Sweden 3 years ago.

Mustafa Jafari, Rocky's alleged victim, was convicted of striking a man in his forehead and beating the victim's face back in 2016, when Jafari was 16 years old. It happened on the streets of Stockholm, the very place Jafari harassed and assaulted A$AP and his crew earlier this month.

Jafari was prosecuted and convicted of assault, and his sentence ... 30 hours of community service. He was also ordered to pay his victim around $500 in cash.

Jafari was also convicted of 2 minor drug offenses ... one in November 2017 and the other in May 2018. He was ordered to pay a fine for both, but served no jail time.

As we reported, Jafari was the instigator in the A$AP Rocky incident -- he's the guy in the white shirt. Prosecutors have cleared him, claiming he was acting in self-defense.

Rocky, who pled with Jafari to leave him and his crew alone before finally snapping, has now been charged with assault and could face 2 years in prison if convicted.

[Employee]

Tyler's on the case.

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Future Avoided Ibiza Fight Because of A$AP Rocky
FUTURE
Team Pulled Him From Brutal Ibiza Fight
... TO AVOID ANOTHER A$AP ROCKY

Future wanted to kick some ass before a melee broke out that left his bodyguard knocked out cold ... but his team pulled him away, fearing he'd end up like A$AP Rocky ... behind bars.

As we reported, a group of around 10 guys started harassing Future and his crew at the Ibiza Airport ... and sources connected to Future say it was full-on racist attack, which began with racial epithets. A fight erupted, and Future's bodyguard did some street justice with 6 of the guys before he got coldcocked with an alleged rock to the head.

We're told before the fighting began, Future was fully engaged and enraged, but his team had A$AP on the brain and didn't want the rapper to end up in a Spanish jail, so they literally pulled him away from the scene. That's when the bodyguard took over.

Future clearly wanted in on the action, because his anger was apparent hours later when he referred to the attackers as "fake goons" and other choice words.

It's interesting ... it sure looks like Sweden is trying to send a message to black rappers that they come to the country at their peril. The message seems to have been received loud and clear, and rappers visiting other European countries are adjusting their moves accordingly ... clearly out of fear the justice system will screw them.

By the way ... eyewitnesses tell us the sucker punch video is edited to make it look like Future was watching nearby with no concern for his bodyguard ... but fact is he didn't see it and had already left the scene.

The good news ... our sources say the bodyguard is doing fine.

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U.S. envoy for hostage affairs sent to Sweden for A$AP Rocky trial
By ASSOCIATED PRESS 07/30/2019 04:17 PM EDT

HELSINKI — American rapper A$AP Rocky pleaded not guilty to assault as his trial in Sweden opened Tuesday, a month after a street fight that landed him in jail and became a topic of U.S.-Swedish diplomacy.

Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is accused with two others of beating a 19-year-old man in Stockholm on June 30. Prosecutors played video footage in court that showed Mayers throwing a young man to the ground.

Wearing sweatpants and a green T-shirt in court, Mayers, 30, pleaded not guilty to an assault charge that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. He says he acted in self-defense.

The Grammy-nominated artist’s ongoing detention in Sweden this month prompted President Donald Trump to personally intervene on his behalf. Mayers nevertheless remained behind bars, angering Trump.

Swedish news agency TT said Trump sent the U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage affairs to Stockholm to monitor the court proceedings and to show support for Mayers.

Special envoy Robert O’Brien was seen at Stockholm District Court on Tuesday. Ruth Newman, spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm, told TT that O’Brien was in Sweden “to look after the well-being of American citizens, which is always our top priority.”

A$AP Rocky’s mother, Renee Black, also attended the proceedings. She has said she was convinced her son was not guilty

“This is a nightmare,” Black was quoted by Swedish media as saying.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers presented competing narratives on the trial’s opening day of what happened the night of the fight.

Prosecutors said 19-year-old Mustafa Jafari and a friend got into an argument with Mayers and one of his bodyguards near a fast-food restaurant where the rapper’s entourage had eaten.

Mayers has published videos on his Instagram account that showed him repeatedly pleading with Jafari and his friend to stop following him and his associates.

Defense lawyer Slobodan Jovicic stressed Tuesday that the rapper and his entourage “didn’t want any trouble” and alleged that Jafari and his friend had exhibited “aggressive and deeply provocative behavior.”

A$AP Rocky previously encountered violent situations on streets because of his fame and “there are some people who don’t always wish him well.” Jovicic said.

“He’s has been harassed in the past. In this case, the bodyguard made the assessment that these people (Jafari and his friend) should move on ... and not to come close,” the lawyer said.

Prosecutors alleged in court documents that Mayers and the two other men facing charges beat and kicked Jafari while he was on the ground. Jafari also was hit with parts of or a whole bottle, they alleged. The court file includes photos of Jafari’s cuts, bruises and blood-stained clothes.

Another lawyer representing A$AP Rocky in Sweden, Martin Persson, told public broadcaster SVT that he would present new evidence, including facts that would show “no bottle has been used to hit or injure anyone.”

Any physical aggression by Mayers and his co-defendants was “within the limits of the law,” Persson said.

The rapper was jailed on July 3 and remains in custody. The case drew the attention of American celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and Mayers’ fellow recording artists, including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Justin Bieber. A social media campaign for his release, called #JusticeForRocky, was created soon after his arrest.

Trump also weighed in, asking for a phone call with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven and offering to personally guarantee the rapper’s bail. The two leaders spoke, but Lofven stressed he couldn’t interfere in a legal case.

Sweden doesn’t let people facing criminal charges out on bail, and A$AP Rocky stayed behind bars. Once Mayers was charged, Trump criticized the prime minister on Twitter “for being unable to act.”

“We do so much for Sweden but it doesn’t seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! #FreeRocky,” Trump tweeted.

The trial was held in a secure courtroom “because of strong interest from the media and the public,” the Stockholm District Court said. Taking photographs and video was prohibited. The court set aside two more days for the trial. Witnesses are expected to testify Thursday.

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‘GET HOME ASAP!’ Donald Trump celebrates as ASAP Rocky is released and allowed to leave Sweden ahead of street fight verdict

A$AP Rocky is allowed to leave Sweden while he awaits the verdict over a street fight in Stockholm.

His case hit international headlines after Donald Trump weighted in on the US's rapper's jail treatment.

Today, the 45th president tweeted: "A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden. It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!"

The rapper, who's real name is Rakim Mayers, pleaded not guilty to assault after he was arrested earlier this month.

The judge today said the suspects do not need to remain in custody as the verdict will be announced on August 14.

The rapper was arrested on July 3, 2019 on suspicion of assault after a video emerged showing him throwing a "pest" to the ground.

The rapper and the rest of the suspects all pleaded not guilty and claimed it was self-defence.

In his summarising argument, prosecutor Daniel Suneson told the Stockholm District Court the actions of the three accused could not be seen as self-defence as he demanded six-month prison sentence.

He said: "We have three people who throw out punches and kicks against a person who is lying down.

"Their violence is clearly indefensible."

'IT'S BEEN A ROCKY WEEK'
Mr Suneseon had also asked the suspects be detained until the verdict is delivered.

The rapper said he would be willing to carry out community service if that was his sentence.

A$AP, who wore a black suit rather than the green prison clothes, told the judge: "You know my address, you know my lawyer's address. I'm into charity work."

The case has drawn huge media attention, particularly since Mr Trump asked Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven to help free the rapper.

Sweden's judiciary is independent of the political system and Mr Lofven has said he will not influence the case.

The court was forced to allocate extra room to accommodate the public wanting to watch through a video link.

The courtroom gallery is reserved for media and the defendants' families.

The shocking brawl footage - published in the US - was filmed in Stockholm and shows the Harlem-born star grabbing the man and tossing him several feet onto the street.

The star's pals and minders are then seen kicking and punching the "victim" as he struggles to stagger back to his feet outside a burger bar on Sunday night.

They then walkaway with the man left lying in the gutter.

The prosecution alleges that after an argument, A$AP threw Mustafa Jafari, 19, to the ground, after which he and two of his entourage kicked and punched the teenager.

In his testimony, Mr Jafari said he was also hit on the head with a bottle after he followed Mayers' group to retrieve his headphones.

The prosecution claimed A$AP hurled the bottle at the alleged victim, despite witnesses saying they did not the rapper strike Mr Jarari with it.

Giving testimony by video link today, two witnesses said they had not seen any of the three accused hit Mr Jafari with a bottle.

Prosecutors say the bottle was hidden in A$AP's sleeve.

A$AP acknowledged in court on yesterday he threw Mr Jafari to the ground and punched and kicked him, but said the teen attacked his bodyguard.

A$AP said he had tried to avoid the fight and denied hitting Mr Jafari with a bottle.

He told the court he was scared for his group after they were followed by Mr Jafari and his friend.

His bodyguard testified today saying the alleged victim approached them twice.

He tried to explain in the US when one is harassed twice then action can be taken.

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U.S. warned Sweden of 'negative consequences' if ASAP Rocky wasn't released

The rapper landed back on U.S. soil Saturday, leaving behind him the looming verdict in an episode that has led to unexpected tension between the U.S. and its European ally.

The U.S. government warned Sweden of "negative consequences" as it advocated for rapper ASAP Rocky during his trial for assault charges in Stockholm this week, according to a pair of letters released by the Swedish Prosecution Authority.

Rocky was released from jail on Friday pending the verdict, with President Donald Trump celebrating the news on Twitter. "It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!" Trump said.

The rapper landed back on U.S. soil Saturday, leaving behind him the looming verdict in an episode that has led to unexpected tension between the U.S. and its European ally.

According to the letters, obtained by NBC News partner Aftonbladet, the U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage affairs wrote to Swedish prosecutors urging them to release Rocky.

"The government of the United States of America wants to resolve this case as soon as possible to avoid potentially negative consequences to the U.S.-Swedish bilateral relationship," Amb. Robert O'Brien wrote in the letter, dated Wednesday.

In response Sweden's prosecutor-general, Petra Lundh, defended the independence of Swedish courts and said she therefore had to deny O'Brien's requests.

"No other prosecutor, not even I, may interfere with a specific case or try to affect the prosecutor responsible," Lundh wrote in a letter dated Thursday.

The letters marked the latest intervention by U.S. officials in a case that has commanded the attention of figures ranging from the president to Justin Bieber.

Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was arrested and charged with assault over a street brawl in the Swedish capital on June 30.

Trump began weighing in on the case last month following outcry from celebrities including reality TV star Kim Kardashian-West and musician Rod Stewart.

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