ttgapers.com

A mistrial has been declared in the Buju Banton conspiracy trial in Tampa, Florida. The 12 member jury were split down the middle on the verdict since deliberations began last Thursday. Judge Jim Moody upheld the application submitted by Buju's attorney David Oscar Markus. Markus believes the reggae dancehall superstar will be exonerated in the new trial slated for December 2010.

Today Markus will be back in court to hear if Buju will be granted bail until his trial date in December. The application for bail will only be heard after the prosecution has a chance to review and respond to it. Markus had told the court yesterday that his client was not a flight risk, nor did he pose a threat to the society. The lawyer added that the court could, if decided to grant bail, stipulate that the artiste wear a tracking device.

If Buju is in fact granted bail, the Grammy nominated artiste will face another obstacle as he faces detention by immigration officials who would seek to have him deported to Jamaica as his entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested in December 2009. Markus told the court yesterday that this was the reason Banton was not previously offered bail, noting that he would apply for bond in the immigration court so the artiste could face his retrial and not be deported should he be granted bail in the federal court.

Though this was not the outcome they prayed for, Banton and his supporters appeared relieved. Following the adjournment, Banton hugged his lawyer and chatted for a while. "We are still alive," Markus said, trying to lift Banton's spirit. Markus then walked over to the throng of supporters, slightly pumping his fist while repeating, "We're still alive!"

Turning to the supporters Buju Banton said, "Thanks, everyone," in a low tone. "We love you, Buju!" said a female supporter. quot;Love you, too," Banton replied, before being led away. Banton, through his attorney, later thanked the many loyal supporters who stayed by him following his arrest and during the trial. The attorney also knocked the US Government's case and expressed confidence in a victory come December. "The Government tried to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt and did not do it," Markus told journalists. "We are confident, we can't wait for the next trial to prove that he is not guilty. The next trial will be better for us."

"It's better a mistrial than a guilty verdict. At least he gets a second chance," said Buju's mentor and former manager Donovan Germain. Singer Cocoa Tea said the jury deadlock is proof the prosecution's case is weak. "No matter the date, him still a get wey, 'cause dem have no evidence to support dem accusations," Cocoa Tea said. "Wi jus' have to hope and pray."

Singer Tony Rebel, who along with Buju formed part of Germain's Penthouse Records team in the 1990s, said he was hoping the trial would have ended in a positive result for his colleague. "We wanted a not guilty verdict because, from all indications, this is a case of entrapment," said Rebel. "He should be getting ready to fly home, but December I'm sure everything will be good."