Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused will continue to serve time behind bars following a ruling by Judge Andrea Thomas on their habeas corpus application. The decision was announced on Thursday, after the defense and prosecution concluded their arguments in court the previous day.
In her ruling, Judge Thomas emphasized that as long as the possibility of a retrial looms, the murder charge against the accused remains valid. “I find that their present custodial status is not in breach of the constitution,” she stated.
The habeas corpus application, filed by lawyers representing Kartel and two of his co-accused on Monday, May 14, sought their release. The application aimed to secure the release of Kartel (legally known as Adidja Palmer), Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, and Andre St John. However, the fourth co-accused, Kahira Jones, is currently involved in a separate legal matter.
The application followed the Privy Council’s decision on March 14 to quash the convictions of Kartel and his co-accused for the 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. The case was referred back to Jamaica’s Appeal Court to determine the necessity of a retrial.
Since the Privy Council’s ruling, Vybz Kartel has remained incarcerated. In a statement to American News Outlet Fox 5 News, he questioned the need for a retrial, expressing confidence in the Jamaican Court of Appeal’s ability to deliver justice and secure their release.
Starting June 10, the Court of Appeal will engage in a five-day process to determine whether a retrial is warranted for Vybz Kartel and his co-accused.