US presidential envoy sent to Sweden for A$AP Rocky's trial

[demmiblue]

Source: AP

HELSINKI (AP) — 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 U.S. President Donald Trump to personally intervene on his behalf. Mayers nevertheless remained behind bars, angering Trump.

Read more: https://apnews.com/7ae4a9d93a2a49b69d3b4b9d989ece7f

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FFS.

[hlthe2b]

1. I find it infuriating that "we" (celebs & Trump) are trying to interfere w Sweden's judicial system

sans any evidence that suggests they are anything but a democratic and independent judiciary (something ours is increasingly NOT).

It is infuriating. I speak not to this rappers innocence or guilt, but merely the system that we should respect until EVIDENCE strongly suggests we should NOT.

[forgotmylogin]

11. I think he's safer in custody in Sweden than the US. (n/t)

[left-of-center2012]

2. Do we not have an ambassador to Sweden?

This guy, Robert O’Brien:

O’Brien “leads the U.S. government’s diplomatic efforts on overseas hostage-related matters.”

“He works closely with the families of American hostages and advises the senior leadership of the U.S. Government on hostage issues,” the website states.

It wasn’t immediately clear why Trump dispatched a diplomat charged with advocating for hostages.

[sdfernando]

3. I'm just waiting for the orange pustule

to say "Sweden would be wiped off the face of the Earth, it would be gone. It would be over literally in 10 days"

[kskiska]

4. How about the two American guys in Italy

who stabbed a policeman. Will he interfere there, too?

[JI7]

8. if he can get some photo ops with celebs

[Brother Buzz]

9. Two white punks from California?

Surely you jest.

[SMC22307]

5. "Fellow rapper RZA (RIHZ'-uh) of the Wu-Tang Clan told The Associated Press...

...on Friday he was concerned about A$AP Rocky and “disappointed that a judge cannot discern that this is not a man you hold hostage.”

[Maxheader]

6. Rocky gonna find out...

that he'd be better off without dementia boys "help"...

He may decide to change his plea to guilty to get
stumpy off his back..

[JI7]

7. fuck this shit

[keithbvadu2]

10. Will the envoy get pictures of the rats, filth, and the hellhole of Sweden?

Will the envoy get pictures of the rats, filth, and the hellhole of Sweden?

[yaesu]

12. darn

[Haggis for Breakfast]

13. Maybe he can take up refuge in the Ecuadorean Embassy.

[iluvtennis]

14. GAH. Trump is interferring in this thinking it will bring black voters to him - he's delusional. nt

[SunSeeker]

15. Why??

[YOHABLO]

16. I saw the video and although he was being followed, he had no right to render physical harm

There were other ways to address the situation.

[kimbutgar]

17. He's only doing this to gloat to African American for his re election.

I doubt Sweden will release this rapper without a trial.

[riversedge]

18. Agree. sickening!

[Faux pas]

19. On the

taxpayers dime.