The trial against ASAP Rocky has attracted attention both internationally and in Sweden. Wednesday, August 14, the verdict is expected.
How can the output be?
- It can look three ways. Partly it may be that you acquit. On the one hand, it may be that one is convicted of the abuse, but does not think that the penalty should be a custodial sentence. Then there is the least likely alternative, that the court goes on the prosecutor's line for another months in prison. But it is not so common for suspects living abroad to be released from detention and later come back to Sweden to serve a prison sentence, says Ulrika Borg.
Which is most likely?
- I can't say that. There has been evidence from the prosecutor's side and from the defense. It has to be weighed against each other, and there are several points on which the court must decide. Can it be considered an emergency situation? Did you have reason to believe that it was an emergency situation? For example, one should look at what each individual had for intent and insights, but also if one acted together in consensus, and if there were aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Then you should go in and make an assessment, says Ulrika Borg.
Many may have perceived the trial as a bit dramatic and cumbersome, has it been an unusual target?
- I do not think so. It does not stand out in any other way than it is a huge media effort. You might make a thing a little bigger than it is. This media coverage is definitely not in proportion to the nature of the target itself, but I think it is positive that we have been able to raise the issue of detention times in Sweden. This has nothing to do with this goal, but Sweden has been criticized for our long detention times. It is always good when it can be highlighted, even if the goal has received too much attention, says Ulrika Borg.