A$AP Rocky pleaded not guilty as his assault trial got underway Tuesday in Sweden.
In their opening arguments, Swedish prosecutors said the New York rapper, and two members of his entourage, brutally attacked Mustafa Jafari during a Stockholm street fight on June 30.
Prosecutors alleged the three men kicked and beat Jafari, a 19-year-old Afghan refugee, with a glass bottle while he lay on the ground, according to CNN.
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The prosecution brought a 522-page report to support its case. Meanwhile, Jafari told the court he feared for his life during the attack.
“I felt that they would beat me to death,” he said, adding that he suffered injuries to his arm, head and broken ribs.
A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, has said he was defending himself after being attacked by “drug addicts.” The 30-year-old rapper’s attorney insisted his client acted out of fear.
“Please bear in mind that A$AP Rocky is an international, very well-known artist,” said Slobodan Jovicic. He added that Rocky is used to being approached in public, but the men were “deeply provoking.”
Both members of A$AP Rocky’s entourage, Bladimir Corniel and David Rispers, have pleaded not guilty.
The trial started late due to a crush of international journalists and fans trying to get into Stockholm District Court, the BBC reported.
Some of A$AP Rocky’s relatives attended as well, including his mother Renee Black. US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Robert O’Brien, was also in court to “support the members of the family and the American citizens.”
The trial is scheduled to continue on Thursday and Friday, although it could end early.
Assault causing actual bodily harm carries a maximum two year prison sentence in Sweden. Prosecutors asked for 139,700 Swedish krona ($14,600) in damages. Jafari is also seeking 139,700 Swedish krona in damages for his injuries and lost income.
