Vybz Kartel release decision delayed as court adjourns without ruling
Vybz Kartel remains in jail
Dancehall music icon Vybz Kartel remains behind bars in Jamaica after his murder conviction was overturned earlier this year. A judge was expected to rule on his possible release Friday, but court was adjourned until next week without a decision.
Adidja Palmer, famously known as Vybz Kartel, remained in jail Friday, despite a judge being expected to rule on his possible release.
The court was adjourned until next week without a decision on the long-running case.
Kartel and his 3 co-defendants have been behind bars in a Jamaican prison since their arrests in 2011 for the murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams, whose body was never found.
Kartel's conviction was overturned in March, and the British Privy Council gave the Jamaican court the chance to decide on a retrial or outright acquittal, meaning there would be no further prosecution.
Vybz Kartel's attorney, Isat Buchanan, told FOX 5 that he once again had to argue for his client's freedom before Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, who kept the focus on constitutional issues.
"They did admit that there were breaches of Mr. Palmer and his co-defendant's constitutional rights," said Buchanan. "They attempted to justify the breach, and we received an additional date for next week, Tuesday."
This means Kartel's imprisonment in what Buchanan calls a "brick oven" is still not over for the physically ailing performer.
Reports of Kartel's heart functionality have been in question as attorneys raise concerns over his ability to survive another retrial.
Buchanan says he anticipated the arguments by the prosecution and was encouraged by the judge's emphasis on the realities of any further delays in the matter and their unwanted consequences.
What happened in the Vybz Kartel murder case?
What's Next for Vybz Kartel - STREET SOLDIERS
After many months of legal maneuvers and moves behind bars, a future outside of prison is now a possibility for international dancehall star Vybz Kartel. But there's still another hurdle to overcome.
Vybz Kartel, has been behind bars for more than a decade.
For nearly eight of those years, Kartel has reportedly been battling Graves' Disease under conditions his attorney says are "inhumane."
Lawyers representing the defendants made an appeal back in 2020, but the convictions were upheld.
The appeal was then pushed to the United Kingdom-based Privy Council, Jamaica's final court of appeal, in 2024, which overturned the convictions due to juror misconduct.
Despite the big win, their fight for freedom has hung in the balance.
The Privy Council in effect, kicked the case back to the Jamaican Court of Appeals to make the ultimate decision.
Vybz Kartel's health
Vybz Kartel in declining health
International dancehall music star Vybz Kartel's health has deteriorated rapidly in the last year, according to his doctor and son. According to his doctor, Kartel's heart is now so weak, his life is in danger if he does not get surgery soon. FOX 5 NY's Lisa Evers has the story.
A prior medical report by Kartel's well-respected private physician, Dr. Karen Phillips, suggested that the superstar would need surgery as soon as possible.
Medical report obtained exclusively by FOX 5 NY.
The report obtained exclusively by FOX 5 NY detailed his battle with thyroid disease.
According to the initial report, despite medication, it had not gone into remission.
Dr. Phillips recommended surgery as soon as possible.
Even though they are now "not guilty" innocent men according to the Privy Council, they have remained behind bars.
FOX 5 NY will continue to bring exclusive insight as this case moves towards conclusion. Check back for updates.