In case you’ve been living under a rock these past couple of weeks, you’ll be aware of the situation that has unfolded regarded the Polish metal band Decapitated. All four members have now been charged with either second degree or third degree rape.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred after their August 31st show in Spokane, WA where a woman alleged she was kept on their bus and raped.
Since the band were initially arrested they have maintained their innocence and earlier today released a new statement offering more details regarding their defence and encouraging witnesses to come forward. The statement can be read in full below:
An update – following extradition from California to Washington, the band has now been charged. We’d like to emphasise; the Spokane Police Department has pressed charges as procedural formality, without doing so, they would be forced to release band – this is not a conviction or any indication of guilt or innocence. Once again, we ask that everyone wait for each party’s case to be presented and await the court’s decision. With that said, whilst cases are being prepared on both sides, some facts are indisputable at this point – that the original officer who took the complaint from the accuser stated, “I do not have probable cause that a rape occurred”, and it’s taken a full 30 days to file charges, which is right up against the point at which the defendants would legally have had to be released.
The band firmly refutes the allegations and are confident that once the facts and evidence have been seen and heard, they will be released and able to return home.
Individuals who were present on the night in question with information about the case are asked to reach out to the defence lawyer, Steve Graham of Spokane, Washington.
Even if the band are found innocent, this case will severely damage their reputation and could result in them never touring the United States again. We as a site are reserving judgement on the matter, as should you, until the final verdict has been given by the courts. We will keep you updated as and when new details become available and will continue to do so in an unbiased and professional manner.
Please note that any comments posted below which attack either the band or the alleged victim will be removed. Please feel free to discuss the situation, but remember it is the court’s decision to pass judgement and not ours.
