Vybz Kartel’s Habeas Corpus Ruling Expected Tomorrow

Judge Andrea Thomas will deliver a ruling in the habeas corpus case for Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel and two of his co-accused Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the Supreme Court, the Jamaica Gleaner reports.

The case, which concluded arguments on Wednesday, involves Kartel (whose real name is Adidja Palmer), Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, and Andre St John. Their lawyers had filed the habeas corpus application on May 14, seeking their release due to undisclosed defense issues ahead of the Jamaica Court Of Appeal’s decision on a retrial.

The Privy Council, in its March 14 ruling, had quashed the men’s 2011 murder convictions of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams, citing juror misconduct, and ordered Jamaica’s Appeal Court to decide if a retrial is necessary for Kartel, Campbell, Kahira Jones, and St John.

Since the ruling, Kartel and his co-accused have remained in prison.

The Court Of Appeal has scheduled a five-day hearing beginning on June 10. Legal arguments will be presented before the court issues a decision on a retrial.

Kartel and his co-accused, who have served over 12 years in prison, have consistently denied involvement in Williams’ death.

In a statement last month, Kartel, who received the harshest sentence, expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal, which previously upheld his conviction, would now do the “right thing.”

“I am also very confident that the court of appeal in Jamaica will do the right thing in the name of equity, fairness, and justice and free us,” Kartel said.

“Some people have expressed their concern to me that a retrial may be ordered but to them, I say (albeit with my limited knowledge of the law) ‘what is there to retry?’” he added.

He continued, “With that being said, the most important point to me is that I am an innocent man. So in reality, I’m not in the least bit worried as I know I will be acquitted and go home to my family whom I have not been together with for over 1[0 years].”