On June 30th 2019, Rakim Mayers, better known as A$AP Rocky, was involved in an altercation that turned physical in central Stockholm. Two days later he was arrested.

It has since been reported by various sources that the rapper’s human rights are being violated, as Stockholm police blocked the U.S Embassy from meeting with Rocky and his team; he is said to be confined to a detention center under solitary confinement with no visit or phone call privileges for two weeks, while authorities investigate the “case”; beyond this, the conditions under which he is living are inhumane - filthy and disease-ridden with little access to food and water.

And as of yesterday, it is also known that his appeal [for detention] was denied by Sweden’s highest court, meaning the rapper will have to stay in confinement for at least another two weeks, and could be facing up to six years in [Swedish] prison.

If you’ve seen footage of the altercation and the events inciting the physical altercation, something about the entire situation seems weird. For instance, who are the two men that were allegedly assaulted? And why were they antagonizing the rapper and his team?

No matter who was to blame, this situation is a clear violation of The Vienna Convention and human rights in general - that isn’t being covered by ANY major news outlets.

If ever there was a time to prove that we are, “one nation, under God”, now is that time. The lack of urgency and response to a potentially life threatening situation is disgusting - especially when the same people who benefit from Rocky’s (and many other black entertainers) artwork and influence are the same people who have the power to call attention to this issue, and possibly get him the help he needs.

Alas, there has been very little coverage of this story, which doesn’t alarm me for Rocky - as I am confident his team will get it handled - but for all the people of color who travel to foreign lands with little to no power, influence, or connections to get them out of a situation such as this one.

What can you do to help?

1. Sign this petition.

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