Tuesday was the first day of trial in ASAP Rocky’s case where he is accused of assaulting a 19-year-old Afghan refugee in the Swedish capital a month ago.
The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the charges along with two other members of his entourage, reports BBC. Rocky and the two other suspects, who have been held in prison after a fight that took place on 30th June, claim they were acting in self-defence. Prosecutors allege that the platinum-selling artist, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, and two members of his entourage “deliberately, together and in agreement” attacked the alleged victim, Mustafa Jafari.
The men have been held in prison since July 3rd and face up to two years in prison if the charges for assault causing actual bodily harm, are upheld. The trial lasts till Friday but there is a chance it could end sooner. The prosecution is going through a 522-page preliminary report which contains extensive photographs of the injuries caused to the victim, along with transcripts, text messages and more. They allege that Rocky used a weapon like bottle or a similar blunt object in the attack.
The rapper was was dressed in standard prison uniform of a green T-shirt and trousers and sat near his mother in the courtroom. Rocky has gotten support from U.S. President Donald Trump but Swedish PM Stefan Lofven told reporters that he “cannot and will not attempt to influence prosecutors or courts.”
