Here is the official statement from Randy Blythe:
(http://www.beastandtheharlotmusicreview.com/2012/08/randy-blythe-official-statement.html#!/2012/08/randy-blythe-official-statement.html)
Greetings. This is D.
Randall Blythe, checking in from my beloved hometown of Richmond, VA, United
States of America. I was recently released on bail from Pankrác Prison in
Prague, Czech Republic, after over a month of incarceration. Now that I am out
for the moment, I would like to say a few things.
1. While in prison, I had minimal knowledge of how
my case was viewed anywhere but the Czech Republic. I was told by my attorney
that I had a lot support from peers in the music industry, my hometown, fans,
and of course my family. I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my
release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my
behalf. From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even
people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my
plight- I am truly humbled. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and
prayers. I would especially like to thank the people of Richmond, VA, for
standing by me. In the 48 hours I have been home, many people I have never met
before have stopped me on the street, waved and smiled as I passed by, or said
hello in a restaurant. All have said "We are glad you are home, Randy".
You all make me proud and grateful that I call Richmond home.
2. I would like state that I suffered no abuse,
from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrác. I
received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else-
make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity rehab tv show. But I was
treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates. People are dying
of starvation all over the world. Men and women are losing their lives daily in
the Middle East and other war torn regions. I had food, clothes, shelter, and
no one was trying to kill me. I cannot complain over a short stay in prison
while many people elsewhere fight to survive on a daily basis.
3. If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I
WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100%, and
will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from
extradition and possible prosecution. As I write this, the family of a fan of
my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child. They have
to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances
surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm
to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled
against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference
in this matter. The charge exists, and for the family of this young man,
questions remain. The worst possible pain remains. It is fairly common
knowledge amongst fans of my band that I once lost a child as well. I,
unfortunately, am intimately familiar with what their pain is like. Therefore,
I know all too well that in their time of grief, this family needs and deserves
some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of
their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer. I am
a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a
petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will
receive the closure they undoubtably need to facilitate healing. I feel VERY
STRONGLY that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me
not to return to Prague if I am summoned. This is not about bail money. This is
about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to
clear my good name in this matter. Thank you for reading this, and I wish you
all peace.
