Leave it to the U.S. State Department to be on top of things. Last week, Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe was formally indicted on charges of manslaughter in the Czech Republic stemming from a 2010 concert in which the Czech government is alleging that Blythe pushed a fan off stage resulting in injuries that led to the fan's death later that night.
While Blythe spent five weeks in prison this summer, a petition was created to get some sort of response from the U.S. State Department. Five months later, State Deparment rep Michael Posner has issued this statement:
“We appreciate your inquiry about the case of D. Randall Blythe, who was released from detention in the Czech Republic on August 3, 2012, and returned to the United States shortly thereafter. Mr. Blythe has publicly stated his intention to return to the Czech Republic to face trial for the alleged manslaughter of a Czech man at a concert in 2010. He recently told MTV, ‘It’s the correct thing for me to do … this poor young man’s family deserves some answers.’ Pending Mr. Blythe’s trial, we cannot discuss the details of his case. We are closely monitoring the progress of his trial.
“The Department of State noted in its 2011 Human Rights Report that in the Czech Republic, ‘The laws provide for the right to a fair trial, and the independent judiciary generally enforced this right.’ We expect that the Czech government will make all efforts to ensure a fair, transparent, and timely trial for Mr. Blythe, and guarantee full protection of his legal rights under Czech law and his welfare.
“If you would like to know more about what the Department of State does for U.S. citizens overseas, please visit our website at www.Travel.State.Gov. General information on U.S. human rights policy is available at www.HumanRights.gov.”
Not exactly a life-changing statement… more of a formality really. Then again, I wasn't expecting much. The point is Blythe's trial is looming. It will most likely take place early next year.
