Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, faces a legal hurdle as his request for bail was denied.
This comes after his conviction for the 2011 murder of Clive Williams was overturned due to juror misconduct. Despite the reversal, the judge has ruled that Kartel and three others will remain in custody.
The case against Kartel and his associates alleges that they were responsible for Williams’ death over a dispute concerning weapons.
Earlier this month, the court found that the initial trial was compromised, citing evidence of bribery among jurors. However, the judge emphasized that without an acquittal from the Privy Council, the murder charge stands while the court of appeal deliberates.
Outside the courthouse, fans of the dancehall icon expressed their discontent with the decision, staging a protest under the watchful eye of law enforcement. The legal system is now tasked with determining whether Kartel and his co-defendants will be retried or released.
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Vybz Kartel’s health struggles in prison
Kartel, known as the King of the Dancehall, has been battling health issues since his incarceration, including Graves’ disease. This autoimmune condition has serious implications, causing severe swelling and protrusion of the eyes, which can be life-threatening if not managed properly.
His lawyer has highlighted the severity of his condition, noting significant swelling around his neck and face, exacerbating his already precarious health situation.
The dancehall star’s legal team previously filed a habeas corpus application seeking their release, but Supreme Court Justice Andrea Thomas rejected it.
The judge ruled that the absence of an acquittal by the Privy Council means the murder charge remains active, and thus, Kartel and his co-accused must stay in prison until the appeal is concluded.
Furthermore, the Court of Appeal has scheduled a five-day hearing on June 10 to present legal arguments before deciding on a retrial. This has been a significant legal hurdle for Kartel, who has consistently denied involvement in Williams’ death and has already served over 12 years in prison.