Reggae icon Buju Banton’s legal woes were certainly a hot topic for the Caribbean community this year as he was tried and sentenced on drug-related charges. The embattled star is currently serving a 10 year prison term at the Federal Correctional Institution in Miami, Florida after being entrapped by law enforcement officials.
However there may be light at the end of the tunnel, sooner rather than later for the ‘I Wanna Be Loved’ singer after an error on the part of the United States government. Reports are suggesting that the singer’s trial should have taken place within 70 days of his arrest, as this is a guaranteed right under the Sixth Amendment in US judicial procedure.
Consequently, it seems the authorities have violated the Speedy Trials Act in Banton’s case, which intends to ensure defendants are not subjected to lengthy periods of incarceration prior to their trial dates. Violations of the act are said to be grounds for dismissal of a criminal case and could mean Buju will be back in the studio by the new year.
The entertainer’s lawyers filed an appeal in the Georgia Court of Appeal citing the violation of the Speedy Trials Act and also proposed that the singer was entrapped. Unlike fellow imprisoned artiste Vybz Kartel, Banton has kept a low profile since his conviction, which may also work in his favour.
Very interesting!..We will be sure to keep you updated on our Jamaica Facebook page as and when the story develops, it would definitely be good to have some new music from the ‘Gargamel’ in the new year!
