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The 30-year-old performer, producer and model
from Harlem, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been detained
since July 3 along with two members of his entourage in
connection with a fight in central Stockholm on June 30.
Mayers has been charged with assault, the prosecutor said in a
statement. He faces a maximum of 2 years in prison if convicted.
"I have today commenced criminal proceedings against the three
individuals suspected of assault causing actual bodily harm,
having come to the conclusion that the events in question
constitute a crime despite claims of self-defense and
provocation," Public Prosecutor Daniel Suneson said.
Suneson had initially wanted to charge Mayers with aggravated
assault.
The rapper, best known for his song "Praise the Lord", was in
Stockholm to perform at the Smash hip-hop festival, but his
detention has forced the cancellation of the rest of his
European tour. His next performance is scheduled for August 11
in the United States.
Mayer's case has gained widespread attention including from U.S.
President Donald Trump, who last week urged Swedish Prime
Minister Stefan Lofven to free the rapper and said he was
willing to vouch for Mayers' bail.
Lofven, through a spokesman, has said he will not influence
Mayers' legal case.
(Reporting by Esha Vaish in Stockholm; Editing by Johan Ahlander
and Raissa Kasolowsky)
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