[The Hill] The State Department is raising concerns about the arrest and detention of American rapper A$AP Rocky in Sweden, Politico reported Sunday.
Rocky was arrested on July 2 after voluntarily going to the police in Stockholm for questioning over a street fight he played a role in. He was been kept in custody since, triggering uproar among many popular American artists.
A spokesperson for the State Department told Politico that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been briefed on the situation.
Top officials at the department, including Ambassador Robert O’Brien, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, are also reportedly keeping close tabs on the situation.
"There are certainly some facts about the arrest and detention that raise concerns," the spokesperson told Politico.
"We expect all governments, including Sweden, to treat American citizens fairly and with respect. ... We hope to see ASAP Rocky and his colleagues back on tour and reunited with friends and family soon."
Swedish prosecutors have until Friday to decide whether to charge Rocky, who is being held in solitary confinement, or ask a court to let them hold him longer.
When reached for comment, a State Department spokesperson confirmed to The Hill that the agency is actively aware of the situation but declined to comment further. 
|
