Fans and supporters of incarcerated deejay Buju Banton have started a writing campaign addressed to US Attorney General, Eric H. Holder Jr, in an effort to assist the jailed star.
On thisisbujubanton.wordpress.com, an official blogspot set up by the Gargamel Music family comprising close friends of the deejay, a letter writing campaign was started on July 12. The website is the only official blogspot where persons can donate to the star, as well as write to him while he is incarcerated.
According to the website, the letter writing campaign is being organised as a consolidated effort to bring attention to what they call the "flimsy Federal charges being wielded against the international reggae music icon."
The site added, "the goal is to ensure the government is keenly aware that the public is monitoring this case closely."
Fans and supporters worldwide according to the blogspot, are encouraged to either print a copy of the letter provided on the blogspot or do a version for themselves. The address for the Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr is listed on the blogspot for persons to write to.
On the blogspot persons have written in, expressing their support. One fan commented, "This will bring the attorney general's full attention to this injustice against Mr Mark Myrie whose trial should have started months ago, but has been postponed twice by a judge without stating a reason. You accuse him of a crime and now you don't give him a chance to defend himself. It's total injustice. I (along with lots of other reasonable people) think that this is blatant entrapment, just as his lawyer has stated. We will not be quiet, we are coming all out, our voice (one voice) shall be heard. Buju shall get justice and be a free man."
Another fan added, "it's difficult to accept this. Buju is a responsible guy to start with; he's 100 per cent not guilty. And this is injustice, corruption, manipulation, formulation, inequality!"
As previously reported in THE STAR a request for Banton to be tried separately from his two co-accused has been rejected by a court in the United States in July. Banton had applied to the US District Court in the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, to have his trial separated from Ian Thomas and James 'Spencer Clarke' Mack on the basis that this could be the reason the trial was being delayed.
Banton and his two co-accused were arrested late last year and charged with conspiracy with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The three have been in custody since then awaiting trial.