RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)—Another vigil is scheduled for Randy Blythe, Richmond local and singer of heavy-metal band Lamb of God who has been jailed more than two weeks in the Czech Republic.
This vigil has also been organized by Tommy Streat, who randomly met Blythe years ago in a Richmond coffee shop.
The second vigil, scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, will take place at the nation’s capital, in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Thousands have been invited via the Facebook organizing page for the event.
The last event, on July 8, brought out more than a hundred to Brown’s Island in support, despite sweltering, triple-digit heat.
That Sunday, Streat told CBS 6 that “I had one fan say to me that he’d rather come out in 100 degrees in Richmond than spend a day in a Prague jail.” Blythe has been jailed at Pankrác Prison since June 27, when he arrived in Prague to play a show.
Blythe, age 41, was picked up at the airport in Prague in connection with manslaughter dating back to a May 24, 2010 show at Prague’s Club Abaton. He faces five to ten years of imprisonment if found guilty.
At some point while allegedly rushing onto the stage and being thrown off three times, the 19-year-old fan, Daniel N., hit his head and later slipped into a coma. He died weeks later.
Fans have hopes the event will turn out to be a celebration of Blythe’s return to the states, but regardless; they plan to send a message of support.
A panel of municipal court judges will meet on Thursday, July 19, to review the Czech Republic prosecutor’s bail challenge. Blythe has appeared in court several times, just attempting to sort out bail in a legal system greatly different than Americas—much to the frustration of many fans.
The Prague Monitor reports that district court judge Petr Fassati said that even after that ruling, a Prague attorney could still be allowed to again comment on bail.
A lawyer at Šafra & Partners, told The Prague Post if bail is revoked, Blythe could be kept in prison for up to six months. [Read: U.S. Dept. of State says no comment on jailed Lamb of God singer]
Jonathan Crane, a reporter with the Prague Post, said that a legal expert believes the defense team should have quite a strong case. “Even if Randy was responsible for the alleged attack, the expert said that who is to say that he wasn’t accidentally kicked or trodden on or left without help by fans below the stage,” said Crane.
A petition has been filed asking the U.S. Dept. of State to intervene on Blythe’s behalf. [Click here to sign the petition]
Lamb of God tour is set to start August 1, in Seattle, Washington.
For full coverage dating back to June 28, click here.
