Randy Blythe is currently on trial in the Czech Republic on charges of manslaughter stemming from a 2010 concert in Prague. You can read our reports from day 1 and day 2 of the trial so far.
The main coverage of the story is coming from Czech newsletters, and my reports on this site have been an amalgamation of all the information available online, and I try to cite as many sources as possible, but obviously some things get lost in the translation.
In a new statement on his Instagram account, Blythe warns that "many things are incorrect" in online reports of his trial due to a loss in translation. He also responds to recent fan backlash against the Czech Republic as a whole. Here is his statement in full:
I have read a few news reports of the progress of my case, and trust me, many things are incorrect. But this is the internet, and of course things are half-baked anyway. Keep in mind that translation is difficult, and many things can be lost, for Czech is a VERY DIFFICULT language. So wait and see, as I am. It is all I can do, except be honest & fight for my freedom in my own way.
I also have heard of some people (not on here) talking smack about the Czech Republic, saying "Fuck the Czech Republic", etc. This not how it should be. This is a very sad case, not something to rage at people you do not know over. I am not angry with the Czechs at all. A fan of my band is dead- what do I have to be angry about? I am an INNOCENT man, but I am also a very sad man
right now. To not be sad in this instance would be inhuman. But mad at the Czech people? Why would I be mad at them? Here, look at this picture, [Note from Ed: photo to the right] a mother watches her baby. The child reaches out for something new, laughing and chasing a pretty picture in the air. It is the same here as everywhere else. Do you see?!?!? Life is beautiful. I hope to see y'all soon.
A very classy statement from a man who is facing the possibility of 10 years in prison.
In a separate photo post, Blythe elaborates on his current state of mind:
Prague has a long, complicated history. In many ways, I feel what is happening in my life right now could not happen anywhere else. I roam through the streets, asking myself questions, and there are quiet echoes of the city answering back. I have been here over two weeks now, preparing for this trial. I have walked many miles at night here. I am looking for life lessons in the snow.
I can't imagine the amount of stress Blythe and his family, as well as the family of the fallen Lamb of God fan, Daniel Nosek must be going through right now.
The trial is ongoing and will be wrapped up on Friday.
UPDATE: Read our report from day 3 of the trial, where a fan in attendance defends Blythe. Also, the trial will be delayed until March.
We will report more as we hear it. Our previous coverage of the trial can be found here.
