The 10 years sentence imposed to grammy winner Jamaican artist Buju Banton sparkled a lot of comments and discussionsin home, offices and schools in Jamaica as well as overseas and all over the world between his friends, fans and followers.
The artist’s sentence follows his conviction last February on four charges related to conspiracy to traffic cocaine.
Judge Moody sentenced Buju to 121 months on the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and 48 months for the use of a telephone in a drug conspiracy. The Crime was never committed.
Buju will probably serve six years as time already served will be deducted from the sentence. Thursday morning’s sentencing ends a long chapter which began with his arrest back in December 2009. Buju‘s attorneys immediately communicated that they will be appealing both the verdict and the sentence.
Buju was found guilty at the end of his second trial in February after his first trial ended with a hung jury.His lawyer, will have 14 days to file their appeals.
Buju’s lawyer Mr. Markus says he is still hopeful even though the process may take up to a year after the papers are filed.
“We are going forward with the appeal and we are very hopeful and optimistic and happy that the judge lifted the gun count but now we have to go forward and fight the drug counts which we still believe there should not have been convictions on. Unfortunately, the appeal takes about a year to a year and half to hear something from the court. So after we file our papers we are going to have to wait a while,”
he said.
When asked about his client’s mental state following the sentencing, Mr. Markus said Buju has managed to remain strong.“
He is an unbelievable man, he is very strong, he is very optimistic, he is very thankful for the fans. He is obviously not happy about being convicted but he is happy about what the judge did today and is hopeful about the appeal,”
While most of the people is convinced the sentence was unfair and the Judge should have shown more clemency with a shorter sentence like 3 years, a lot of people was just happy the gun charges were dropped.
Most of the artists say it could have gone worst so they are not happy about the verdict but they have hope in prayers and in the appeal.
Dancehall/Reggae Artists Reactions To Buju News
Gramps Morgan — ArtistWe are sad about the 10-year sentence that was handed down to my good friend Buju Banton but we still have to give thanks because we were looking at a much longer sentence…15 years to be exact. We are delighted that the gun charges were rightly thrown out. It could be worse so he is blessed given the circumstances. At this point we all hope and pray for the well being of his kids and family.
Macka Diamond — Deejay “I’m glad it is over with as the sentencing could have been more harsh. Buju is a strong individual and I’m sure he will manage well. He made it through the jail time so I know he will survive his time in jail. We are anticipating an early release so that we can all see and hear him mashing up the place again. I urge each and everyone to continue praying for him.”
Papa Biggy — Artist “I am saddened by the result especially in the case where he was literally not held with any drugs. People who have been convicted for murder get off with less sentence.” Papa Biggy releases also a tribute song in support of Buju titled Set Him Free, check it below.
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