Lamb of God in legal fund backlash as Blythe release back in doubt

Randy Blythe’s freedom is back in doubt after Czech news outlets reported prosecutors had lodged an official complaint against his release.

Blythe, 41, remains in prison in Prague, accused of the manslaughter of fan Daniel Nosek in 2010 – even though video evidence appears to confirm he was not connected with the incident, and even though the band were not told about his death until the frontman was seized by police eleven days ago.

A bail payment of $200,000 was received by the Czech courts six days ago, but procedural law means release is not automatic. Opposition counsel is entitled to complain against a suspect’s release – and now it’s been confirm that’s what’s happened to Blythe.

Previous to the development, his release had been expected at some point this week or next. It’s not known how much longer he’ll remain behind bars, or how long it could take for his case to come to court. He could be sentenced to ten years if found guilty of manslaughter.

Meanwhile, Lamb of God guitarist Willie Adler has spoken out after the band faced a backlash for creating a donation fund for Blythe.

He says they acted after being inundated with offers of help for the musician, who’s in jail in the Czech Republic over the death of fan Daniel Nosek two years ago – even though bail has been posted and video evidence appears to make it clear he wasn’t involved.

Adler says: “We are by no means requesting charity, nor are we demanding money from our fans.

“We have received dozens upon dozens of requests from supporters wanting to help in any way possible. This was a direct response to that, in order to give fans a voice in all of this – if they choose to do so.

“By no means are we trying to make a dime off this. We live for our fans and would never attempt to profit off them. This is purely a response to those that reached out wanting to help.

“Collectively we will bring Randy home. He is my brother and your brother, and more importantly, an innocent man being wrongfully detained.”

Due to Czech procedural law Blythe’s release is not definite even though the court has been paid $200,000 bail. However, it’s expected he’ll be released at some point this week, and the conditions of his freedom will not stipulate he remains in the former Soviet bloc nation.

An online White House petition has been created in support of Blythe’s legal battle. It aims to gather 25,000 signatures by the beginning of August and so far has pulled in over 2300.