Judge blanks Buju request to perform at concert

TIMES INT'L

 

FLORIDA, United States – A Boxing Day concert in Miami will have to go on without drug-accused reggae singer Buju Banton, even though he’s been out on bail for the last two weeks.

That’s because a judge has turned down the Jamaican’s request to perform at the December 26th show.

His attorneys have argued that the reggae artiste is under financial strain, having to pay US$20,000 a month to a 24-hour security detail that was a part of his bail conditions, as well as having to pay the cost of preparing for his retrial next February.

 US Magistrate, Judge Anthony Porcelli, has said that the singer’s financial pressures do not outweigh the risk that he might flee, and he consequently refused the request.

Buju, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was released on bail on November 10th, almost a year after being arrested on charges of conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute, cocaine; and aiding and abetting two others in possessing a firearm during the course of distribution.

The 37-year-old faces life imprisonment and a fine of up to US$4 million if found guilty.

His first trial, which lasted a week, ended with a hung jury in September. (Caribbean 360)

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