This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
US President Donald Trump had sought the release of American rapper ASAP Rocky, who has been detained in Sweden on an assault charge, after being pressed by American celebrities, including Kanye West.
However, in a phone call on Saturday, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told President Trump that the rapper will not get any special treatment, according to a statement from the Swedish government.
Mr. Lofven's press secretary, Toni Eriksson, said the phone call lasted about 20 minutes and was 'friendly and respectful.'
Mr. Lofven was said to have 'underlined that in Sweden everyone is equal before the law and that the government cannot and will not attempt to influence the legal proceedings.'
President Trump said on Twitter that he had a 'very good call' with Mr. Lofven and that he told the prime minister Rocky was not a flight risk. He said he would 'personally vouch' for Rocky's bail if he were released.
Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is accused of assaulting a man on June 30 while on tour in Stockholm. He has been detained as the authorities investigate.
On Friday, a court in Stockholm approved a request from prosecutors to detain Rocky for at least six more days. Another hearing, on July 25, will determine whether he should be detained further.
