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Not an easy road, Buju held for cocaine possession in the United States
Published: Sunday | December 13, 2009
Livern Barrett, Staff Reporter
GRAMMY-NOMINATED deejay Buju Banton is being held in the Federal Detention Centre, Miami, Florida, in the United States following his arrest last Thursday on drug-related charges, a Miami Police Department spokesman confirmed yesterday.
The internationally renowned artiste whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie was held with "a large quantity of cocaine", according to the law-enforcement agent who identified himself as Officer Gonzalez.
"He is here ... I can't tell you when he will go to court or anything like that, but yes, he is here facing a charge of possession and the intent to distribute cocaine," Gonzalez told The Sunday Gleaner.
He said details of the arrest and subsequent charges would be released tomorrow morning. When asked if and when bail would be offered, Gonzalez said, "I am not in a position to disclose that information."
caught on surveillance camera
The Sunday Gleaner was unable to get confirmation of the arrest from the Police High Command in Jamaica and key government sources who had "only heard rumours". This suggests that the local authorities had not been informed of Banton's arrest in the US. Currently, there is tension between the Jamaican Government and the US authorities regarding another narcotics matter.
While tight-lipped about details of the arrest, Gonzalez said that the 36-year-old entertainer had been held with "another person".
Sources say Buju and another man were caught on surveillance camera.
A search on the Federal Bureau of Prisons' website yesterday revealed that one "Mark Anthony Myrie, 36, black male" was in custody at the Federal Detention Centre in downtown Miami and listed an inmate number.
Several attempts to contact representatives of Buju's record label, Gargamel Music, were unsuccessful.
Coming off what has been described as one of his most successful, if not controversial, North American tours, Buju has been riding a string of successes, which culminated in his nomination for the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.
The tour, organised to promote his new album, Rasta Got Soul, was dogged by massive protests by gay and lesbian groups across the US, which said his anti-gay lyrics promoted violence against them.
Buju subsequently met with leaders of the gay community in San Francisco in an attempt to salvage the tour.
Reference:>>> go-jamaica.com
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Got damn Buju.....If it ain't one thing it's another...I wonder if he will join Gucci Mane in jail....
I hope not though..shit..enough black men behind bars already.
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1blackbeauty wrote:Got damn Buju.....If it ain't one thing it's another...I wonder if he will join Gucci Mane in jail....
I hope not though..shit..enough black men behind bars already. No u didnt say gucci...lol.lol..thats whats up
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1blackbeauty wrote:Got damn Buju.....If it ain't one thing it's another...I wonder if he will join Gucci Mane in jail....
I hope not though..shit..enough black men behind bars already. well welcome back BB, is that your boo, next time u mek we c him face, lol.
mi know say buju a no idiot fi a deal with dem tings deh, so that leaves mi fi wonda if a di batty man dem set him up.
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Lorie wrote:1blackbeauty wrote:Got damn Buju.....If it ain't one thing it's another...I wonder if he will join Gucci Mane in jail....
I hope not though..shit..enough black men behind bars already. well welcome back BB, is that your boo, next time u mek we c him face, lol.
mi know say buju a no idiot fi a deal with dem tings deh, so that leaves mi fi wonda if a di batty man dem set him up. Lol...Yeah Lorie ...that is him...I will make sure to put a pic up of his face...lol All I know is that if Buju did not have the drugs..they taking things too far....it is bad to play with someone's money..but do not play with their freedom too...
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Mercedes_60644 wrote:1blackbeauty wrote:Got damn Buju.....If it ain't one thing it's another...I wonder if he will join Gucci Mane in jail....
I hope not though..shit..enough black men behind bars already. No u didnt say gucci...lol.lol..thats whats up Girl....I should have known Gucci was on coke....That nigga lyrics is what's hot..he was coming with new stuff everyday...lol.... THAT NIGGA WAS GEEKED UP.....LOL
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For the ppl interested, i might start updating daily on Buju court proceedings starting tomorow.
>>>>>P
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Buju waives right to bail hearing
Karyl Walker
Thursday, December 17, 2009
JAMAICAN reggae artiste Mark Myrie, who is better known by his stage name Buju Banton, yesterday waived his right to a bail hearing when he appeared before US Magistrate William Turnoff in the Miami Federal Court yesterday.
Turnoff then issued a temporary order of detention.
Banton, along with Ian Thomas, also called 'Yush' and Jason Mack, were held last Thursday by Drug Enforcement Administration agents and slapped with charges of possession with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine.
The Jamaican reggae singer, who was only recently nominated for a Grammy Award, will have his case heard in Tampa, Florida where the offence allegedly occurred. No date has yet been set for the hearing.
DEA agents said the three were part of a drug syndicate which sought to purchase cocaine from an undercover cop.
The 36-year-old Banton has vehemently denied the charges.
The entertainer's lawyer, Herbert Walker lll, told the Observer yesterday that his client was upbeat despite the prospect of spending Christmas behind bars.
"He should be moved out any day now. He is a very spiritual person and he continues to be that way. He is standing strong," the lawyer said.
DEA agents reported that they had been following the entertainer's movements for four days and alleged that he was caught on camera sampling cocaine in an undercover warehouse in Sarasota, Florida.
A grand jury indictment also accused Banton, Thomas and Mack of carrying a firearm during the course of the alleged crime.
Banton attorney said he was confident that his client had a good chance of being acquitted.
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No bail yet for Buju Banton Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter Buju International dancehall star Buju Banton remains in custody today after a bail hearing planned for yesterday was put on hold. Buju, dressed in prisoner's garb, appeared in court in Miami, Florida, yesterday but his attorney, Herbert E. Walker III, did not apply for bail as expected. "We decided instead to transfer the case to Tampa because that is where it will be tried," Walker told The Gleaner yesterday. "You get only one chance at a bond hearing and it was decided to do it in Tampa where the trial will take place, instead of in Miami." He said no date has yet been set for the bail hearing but he expects that a date will be announced shortly after the papers are filed in the Tampa court. Minimal talk Buju did not speak in court except to reply, "Yes, sir," to the judge's questions. Court observers told The Gleaner that, like the other inmates in the courthouse, about 10, Buju wore a beige jail jumpsuit over a white T-shirt, with his dreadlocks tied up and his hands shackled in front of him. Chief Magistrate in the Southern District of Florida, William C. Turnoff, issued a temporary order of detention for the 36-year-old singer. Buju has been in custody for more than a week since being arrested by agents from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. He is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Yesterday, Walker scoffed at reports in the local media that the offence should not carry a federal charge. Walker told The Gleaner that, based on the nature of the allegations and the quantity of cocaine involved, Buju, whose correct name is Mark Myrie, and his two co-accused would face federal charges. The attorney has vowed to work night and day to clear his client, who has said he is "absolutely innocent of each of the allegations that the (United States) government has made". arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com
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Buju Banton reportedly assembling high profile legal team
Federal Criminal Defence Lawyer, Frank A Rubino, who has tried hundreds of cases involving serious federal and international criminal offenses including the case against Panamanian General, Manuel Noriega is being recruited by the management for embattled reggae artiste, Buju Banton, a report on Internet website caribbeanworldnews.com states.
CaribWorldNews quotes president of Banton's Gargamel Music, Tracii McGregor, as saying that current attorney, Herbert Walker, III, was simply hired to represent Banton during his initial court appearance.
BANTON... along with Ian Thomas and James Jackson Mack, was indicted on December 15
[Hide Description] BANTON... along with Ian Thomas and James Jackson Mack, was indicted on December 15
It is said that McGregor revealed that she has been meeting with several top criminal attorneys to take over the case. They include top criminal defence attorneys David Oscar Markus, who was named a 2009 Florida SuperLawyer for White Collar Criminal Defence Representation and was listed in the 2009 Chambers & Partners for White Collar Crime & Government Investigations and Frank Rubino.
"Walker has never really been our attorney," said McGregor in an exclusive interview with CaribWorldNews. "This is Buju and we're going to get him the top legal representation there is. We are ready to fight."
In the interview on Friday, McGregor, it is reported, insisted the singer, born Mark Anthony Myrie, was "innocent" and that the label would pursue the best legal team to prove this.
So far the deejay has not been transferred to Tampa, since waiving his right to a bail hearing Wednesday in preference for a Tampa trial.
"A clearly emotional McGregor revealed that she was in New York last Thursday afternoon, when she got the 'shocking' call of Banton's arrest," the website report stated.
It said that McGregor had been in Florida for the past few weeks preparing for the move of the label officially to the Sunshine State.
McGregor also revealed the label will soon release a new video on the four-time Grammy Award-winning singer's new song, Optimistic Soul, from his new album, Rasta Got Soul.
Banton, along with Ian Thomas and James Jackson Mack, was indicted on December 15. The federal indictment claims that the trio "knowingly and willing fully conspired with each other and with others to possess with intent to distribute five kilogrammes or more of a substance containing a delectable amount of cocaine".
If convicted, he faces 20 to life on the charge while all property deemed to have been gained from drug distribution could be forfeited.
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Top US attorney to lead Buju defence
Published: Monday | December 28, 2009
Buju Banton - File
Jailed reggae star Buju Banton's managers have reportedly retained Miami lawyer David Oscar Markus, a rising star in the American justice system, to represent him.
Tracii McGregor, president of Banton's Gargamel Music Incorporated, is quoted as telling the CaribWorldNews.com website: "We're going to get him the top legal representation there is. We are ready to fight."
Last weekend, BET News said Marcus will lead the team to get Banton off charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute just over five kilograms of cocaine. He was arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration officers on December 10 in Sarasota, Florida, and charged one week later in a Miami court.
The singjay is best known for the 1995 album, Til Shiloh, and songs like Deportee, Untold Stories and Murderer. He is facing a lengthy prison term if convicted.
Among top 40 under 40
The 36-year-old Markus is a graduate of the Harvard Law School and has been involved in several high-profile cases. His success rate has earned him recognition from respected publications such as the National Law Review, which named him among the Top 40 Litigators Under 40 in the United States.
Since 2007, Markus has been cited as one of the US's leading criminal defence lawyers. Among his clients were Gilberto and Miguel Rodriquez-Orejuela, brothers and alleged founders of the infamous Cali Cartel which operated a multibillion-dollar cocaine trade in Colombia during the1970s and 1980s.
In February, he successfully represented Dr Ali Shaygan who was charged with 141 counts of illegally selling pain medication. Shaygan was acquitted of all charges, and he and his lawyers awarded damages of US$600,000.
Banton's arrest capped an eventful year for the Rastafarian performer whose given name is Mark Myrie. His highly anticipated Rasta Got Soul album was released in April.
A subsequent tour of the US to support the disc was curtailed by protests by gay groups which claimed that Banton's 1992 song, Boom Bye Bye, promotes violence against them.
This resulted in several of his shows in major cities being cancelled.
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Buju in court tomorrow, hires new lawyer
AP
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
TAMPA, Florida — Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton has been moved to Tampa in advance of a federal court appearance on drug charges.
Banton's label, Gargamel Music Inc, also announced today that he has hired Miami defense attorney David Oscar Markus to fight charges that he was involved in a conspiracy to traffic more than five kilogrammes of cocaine.
The Grammy-nominated Banton has been moved from a jail in Miami to Tampa, where he is due to appear in court tomorrow. If convicted he could face up to life in prison.
Markus said Banton is innocent and was set up by "some evil people trying to take advantage of his trusting and honest character."
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Buju's lawyer confident
Published: Wednesday | January 6, 2010
Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter
Noted United States criminal attorney, David O. Marcus, has expressed confidence that dancehall star Buju Banton will be freed of criminal charges.
"We're ready to fight this thing - the government's case has got no soul," Marcus told The Gleaner yesterday in an obvious reference to Buju's recently released album, Rasta Got Soul.
Marcus was officially entered on Monday as the attorney on record to represent Buju in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.
Buju, whose correct name is Mark Myrie, and two co-defendants, Ian Thomas and James Mack, were indicted late last year by a grand jury on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.
The three face the possibility of up to life in prison if found guilty on both counts.
But Marcus, who has appeared in several high-profile cases, remains unmoved as he rubbished the allegations against the dancehall star.
While withholding further comments, Marcus has started to prepare for the case, which should begin later this month.
The attorney has successfully defended several high-profile defendants and has a reputation in Florida as a first-rate legal mind.
Marcus' résumé
Marcus led the defence team in the February 2009 acquittal of Dr Ali Shaygan, who faced 141 counts of selling pain medication
to boost his income.
The attorney was also the man in charge of the defence of Gilberto Rodriguez-Orejuela and Miguel Rodriguez-Orejuela, the alleged founders of the infamous Cali Cartel out of Colombia.
In the meantime, the court has outlined the rules of discovery to be used in Buju's trial.
These include giving the prosecutors a maximum of 14 days before the trial to name any unindicted co-conspirator, whose statements would be used against the three accused men, and until January 11 to state if any electronic surveillance was used in the case and whether any confidential informant was used.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency has already claimed that it has Buju on tape testing a substance believed to be cocaine, and that the alleged deal to sell the cocaine was arranged by a confidential informant.
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Buju pleads not guilty
2010-01-07 17:40:36 )
Grammy nominated reggae artiste Buju Banton is to return to federal court in Florida on February 4 on drug related charges.
When he appeared in court in Tampa today, Buju whose real name is Mark Myrie pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He also did not have a bail hearing as was expected, as his American visa had earlier been cancelled by US immigration authorities.
Buju was arrested on December 10 for allegedly buying cocaine from undercover agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The international reggae artiste is jointly charged with two other men for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
The offence carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
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Buju to miss Grammys - Artiste did not apply for bail
Published: Friday | January 8, 2010
Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter
Buju Banton
Dancehall star Buju Banton will miss the January 31 Grammy Awards where his latest album, Rasta Got Soul, is one of five nominated for the reggae prize.
While the winner is being named, Buju will be in a federal prison where he will stay until his trial in March.
After spending Christmas behind bars, Buju appeared in court yesterday but did not apply for bail.
Instead, Buju entered a not-guilty plea when he appeared in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.
"We pleaded not guilty today (yesterday) because Buju is an innocent man," attorney-at-law David P. Markus told The Gleaner yesterday, minutes after leaving the courtroom.
Markus has already expressed confidence in securing an acquittal for Buju on the basis that "the government's case has got no soul".
After court yesterday, the attorney remained in a positive mood, even as his client was returned to custody.
"We are eagerly awaiting trial in March so the truth can be told," added Markus.
He told The Gleaner that no application for bail was entered during the latest court appearance because of Buju's "immigration status".
Visa Cancelled
US officials cancelled the entertainer's visa issued to Buju shortly after he was arrested and charged last month.
Because of the cancellation of his visa, Buju, whose correct name is Mark Myrie, would be subject to detention under the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detainer even if he was granted bail on the criminal charges.
Buju will remain in federal custody until February 4 when he returns to court for a status conference before the trial expected to begin in early March.
The trial had reportedly been set to begin on February 1, but the attorney representing Ian Thomas, one of two men charged with Buju, requested that the date be changed.
Buju, Thomas and James Mack, were indicted late last year by a Grand Jury on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.
The three face the possibility of up to life in prison if found guilty on both counts.
Thomas and Mack, otherwise known as 'Spencer Clarke', were already denied bail.
All three are represented by separate lawyers with Markus representing Buju, Michael Donaldson representing Mack and Wayne Golding Sr representing Thomas.
Mack and Thomas appeared in court yesterday morning before Buju made his appearance at 1:30 in the afternoon.
2010 Reggae Grammy Nominees
Buju Banton - Rasta Got Soul
Gregory Isaacs- Brand New Me
Julian Marley - Awake
Stephen Marley - Mind Control - Acoustic
Sean Paul - Imperial Blaze
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Buju donates to Haiti - Jailed artiste sends clothes and cash to earthquake victims
Krista Henry, Staff Reporter
Buju Banton - file
Incarcerated deejay Buju Banton reached out to the Haiti cause yesterday by donating US$1,000 ($89,000)as well as clothes and shoes to Haitian artiste Wyclef Jean's Yele Organization.
Although experiencing problems of his own as he is currently in jail in the United States facing drug charges, the deejay opened up his own closet, clothes and shoes to assist persons devastated by the earthquake.
On Tuesday, Haiti was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake followed by countless strong aftershocks leaving an immense loss of life and devastation. The earthquake was the largest the island has suffered in more than 200 years.
Yesterday, news began circulating on social networking website, Twitter.com, of Buju's deed. However, when THE WEEKEND STAR spoke to a friend of Buju's they confirmed that clothes and shoes as well as a pledge of US$1,000 ($89,000) was made to the Yele Haiti Organization. The source said: "I talked to him about the situation and he said he wanted to help."
They added, "he was very disturbed, saddened and touched by the situation and really wanted to help."
In the wake of the earthquake, Haitian superstar Wyclef Jean (former member of the popular trio, The Fugees), went on a drive to assist his country through his Yele Foundation. According to a report made on his Twitter page, the singer went to Haiti on Wednesday morning. He said: "I am on my way to the DR (Dominican Republic) to get to Haiti. Please urge your councilmen, governors etc: we need a state of emergency for Haiti."
internet donation
Jean has organised a donation page on his Yele Haiti Foundation website. Jean set up the foundation in 2005 to provide scholarships to children in Haiti after the devastation by hurricane Jeanne. On his website, Jean said persons can make a donation by texting 'Yele' to 501-501, which will automatically donate US$5 ($445) to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.
According to rapradar.com yesterday, Yele Haiti organisation has received over 200,000 text donations and has raised US$1 million for the victims of Tuesday's earthquake.
Buju and Wyclef have done several songs together including Party By The Sea and Bed Time Story.
During an appearance in court last week, Banton was denied bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. If convicted, Buju faces 20 years' imprisonment.
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Buju Banton for court today
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Embattled deejay, Mark 'Buju Banton' Myrie, who has been in Federal custody since December last year, is scheduled to return to court for a status conference today.
Buju has been held in Tampa, Florida, awaiting trial on drug charges. The trial is expected to begin in early March.
In a report carried earlier, Banton's lawyer, David Markus says the government entrapped his client in a drug deal.
In court documents filed in January, Markus claimed that the government used a paid informant to convince his client to buy cocaine, the St Petersburg Times reports. The defence is reportedly pushing to have the informant's identity revealed.
To prove entrapment, Markus will have to show that Banton was not predisposed to engaging in criminal behaviour and that the government induced him, an Associated Press report stated in January.
Banton was arrested at his home December 10. The 36-year-old, born Mark Myrie, pleaded not guilty to a drug charge in a Tampa federal court. He's being held without bail at Pinellas County Jail.
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BUJU RETURNS TO COURT Lawyers representing Buju Banton returned to court today(March04)for details on confidential informant,trial begins April 19.Source:Gleaner/Power 106 News
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Buju’s lawyer makes bail application
Lawyers representing reggae superstar 'Buju Banton' have gone to court with a belated attempt to get him released on bail.
The lawyers claim that Buju, whose real name is Mark Myrie, has not been provided with a diet in accordance with his religious views.
As a result, they say he has lost 40 pounds since he was arrested three months ago.
In documents filed today, the lawyers asked the court to allow a bail hearing for the dancehall star.
They say if bail is not granted the court should order that Buju be moved to a non-maximum security unit.
Buju, and two alleged co-conspirators, have been in custody in the United States since last December when they were charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine and aiding and abetting the carrying of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Initially Buju's lawyers said they would not apply for bail because his US visa had been revoked and even if released on bond the dancehall star would remain in custody at an immigration facility.
However, in the papers filed in court today, Buju’s lawyer David Markus said recent developments have forced them to apply for bail or alternative relief.
Mr Marcus said although Buju had been able to make appropriate meals in the kitchen with food he purchased from the commissary, he does not have that ability in his new maximum-security wing.
In addition, Mr Marcus says the living areas and kitchen are unsanitary, and the showers do not work.
He says Buju who is being subjected to inhumane conditions was moved to the maximum-security section of the prison last week after he shared his food with a fellow inmate.
He argued that the decision to transfer Buju to the maximum-security section is affecting him mentally and physically and affecting his ability to prepare for a trial, which begins in three weeks.
However, University of Miami Professor attorney-at-law David Rowe believes it’s highly unlikely that Buju will be granted bail.
According to Professor Rowe, Buju will not get pre-trial release because he has an immigration hold.
He says the statute makes selling narcotics an aggravated felony for offenders and makes them subject to removal or deportation.
Source: Gleaner/Power 106 News
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Court denies bail request for Buju
Published: Saturday | March 27, 2010
Arthur Hall, Senior Gleaner Writer
A United States magistrate yesterday rejected a bail application for reggae superstar Buju Banton.
The magistrate also denied a request from lawyers representing Buju that he be ordered moved to a non-maximum security penal institution.
US magistrate Anthony Porcelli said he would not order Buju's release because he believes there is a risk he could flee to his home country, Jamaica.
The magistrate also said he would not interfere with the operations at the Pinellas County Jail where Buju, whose correct name is Mark Myrie, is being held.
Attorney-at-law David Markus had gone to court claiming that Buju had lost 40 pounds because he was denied the vegetarian diet he requires for religious reasons, and that his mental and physical health had been rapidly deteriorating,
Marcus also claimed Buju had been transferred to a maximum security section of the jail and this was hindering his ability to prepare for his trial, which begins in weeks.
But a federal prosecutor told the court that the claim that Buju was being treated inhumanely was a lie.
Assistant US Attorney General James Preston presented evidence that instead of losing 40 pounds Buju had gained 11 pounds since being in custody.
The court was told that Buju was 150 pounds when he was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on January 5, and when he was weighed recently he tipped the scale at 161 pounds.
Markus challenged those records, asserting Buju's weight when he was booked was just an estimate.
Records
But a jail official said the numbers were supported by records kept by jail medical staff, who have weighed Buju several times during his detention.
Markus complained he hadn't seen the records before the hearing.
According to the prison official, Buju never asked the jail chaplain, who handles such requests, if he could be placed on a vegetarian diet.
The official said he reviewed records of Buju's commissary transactions and found purchases of meat and fish, including chicken, tuna and mackerel.
According to the jail official, he has since directed that Buju be given a vegetarian diet.
Markus said Buju gave other inmates the meat he bought in the commissary and had filed a diet request with the chaplain.
The prison official also rejected claims that Buju was being housed in a maximum-security section.
He said Buju was being kept in an older part of the jail where the security arrangements were different, but not punitive, because he argued with a prison official who told him not to give his food away.
Source:Gleaner/Power106 News
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