Reggae star Buju Banton got finally a major break in his ongoing case, when last week a judge granted him an evidentiary hearing.
Buju Banton, born Mark Myrie, is currently serving a 10-year sentence in a Florida’s prison after being convicted in February of three counts of drug trafficking charges. The Grammy-winning singer is also facing an additional five years on a gun charge.
The hearing comes just weeks after Buju’s new lawyer, Chokwe Lumumba, and his defense support committee filed an application after learning that one of the jurors violates court orders.
Last month, juror Terri Wright admitted in an interview that she researched aspects of the case on her computer before reaching a verdict. If that turns out to be true, the judge could rule in favor of a mistrial. Wright said her research of the case did not influence her decision. Four of the jurors involved in the infamous trial will answer to the court during that hearing.
The hearing is scheduled to take place at the Sam M. Gibbons Federal Court in Tampa, Florida on December 20th.
It’s not all about Buju and his fight for freedom: his new legal team has launched a new letter writing campaign — this time aimed at the Supreme Court – to build further awareness about the highly controversial federal drug case that landed the Jamaican music icon behind bars.
I hope he makes it. Free Buju!