A$AP Rocky Released From Swedish Prison

After weeks in Swedish prison without charge, A$AP Rocky, who was arrested on allegations of assault, has been released from prison ahead of a verdict. The rapper and his two associates face up to six months in prison. He will remain free until August 14th, when his verdict in the assault trial will be announced.

Rocky and his two associates, Bladimir Emilio Corniel and David Tyrone Rispers, are accused of assault following a June 30th fight in Stockholm with 19-year-old Mustafa Jafari. While Rocky has pleaded not guilty, Jafari's counsel demands justice, reports the Washington Post.

"I have been a lawyer for 20 years, and I have never had a client who has been so scared," said Jafari's counsel. "He feels no resentment toward any of the accused, but justice must be served."

Following the announcement of Rocky's release, President Trump 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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019

Rocky's case has been the source of international interest, following President Donald Trump's show of support in the rapper. President Trump has made the campaign to "Free Rocky" the subject of numerous tweets, implying that the Swedish government was treating Rocky unfairly on the basis of race, writing that they had let "our African American community down." However, some have speculated that Trump may have used the issue as a cover from allegations of racism lodged at the president.

Just spoke to @KanyeWest about his friend A$AP Rocky’s incarceration. I will be calling the very talented Prime Minister of Sweden to see what we can do about helping A$AP Rocky. So many people would like to see this quickly resolved!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 19, 2019

Very disappointed in Prime Minister Stefan Löfven for being unable to act. Sweden has let our African American Community down in the United States. I watched the tapes of A$AP Rocky, and he was being followed and harassed by troublemakers. Treat Americans fairly! #FreeRocky

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2019

Trump's interest in the case has escalated the issue into a diplomatic fight for Rocky's return as the president has sought the help of Robert C. O’Brien, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. However, Swedish prosecutors have denied O'Brien's request for release.

Rocky was arrested in early July following an altercation with Jafari on the streets of Stockholm. Instagram video of Rocky attempting to quell the situation shows Rocky pleading with the plaintiff to not fight with him and his entourage. The rapper maintains that he acted in self-defense.