Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, has issued an official statement declaring the U.S. government is “closely monitoring the progress” of vocalist Randy Blythe’s impending legal trial in the Czech Republic. It can be read in its entirely below.
Posner’s statement is in response to the online petition at whitehouse.gov for the U.S. government to help Blythe. Posner explained that while he couldn’t discuss details of Blythe’s case, he could confirm that the U.S. government would ensure Blythe received a fair trial.
Posner’s statement reads as follows:
“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 Travel.State.Gov. General information on U.S. human rights policy is available at HumanRights.gov.”
The State Attorney’s Office in Prague officially indicted Blythe on manslaughter charges on Friday, Nov. 30. According to Czech news source Novinky.cz, the District Court now has three months to either set a trial date or to delay the hearing in lieu of further investigation. If he is found guilty, Blythe could face 5-10 years in prison.
Blythe has been adamant since he was released on bail that if he was required to return to the Czech Republic to stand trial he would do so.
He previously stated: “I want my name cleared. I have to go around the world and tour, you know. That’s what I do. I’m not going to hide here. I’m an innocent man. I’m going to go to court and see what happens.”
Stay tuned for further details.