Lawyers representing Vybz Kartel and two of his three co-accused have submitted a habeas corpus application to the Supreme Court, seeking their release from custody.
The application targets the release of Kartel, known legally as Adidja Palmer, along with Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, and Andre St John. However, the fourth co-accused, Kahira Jones, is engaged in a separate legal matter before the court.
In Jamaica, a habeas corpus application serves as a legal avenue for reporting unlawful detention or imprisonment to the court, prompting a review to determine the lawfulness of the detainment.
Attorney Isat Buchanan said the application was brought before the court because of issues that the defence does not wish to disclose.
Attorney Isat Buchanan disclosed that the application was filed due to undisclosed issues that the defense faced, citing unforeseen events that hindered their efforts.
The court has adjourned the matter until May 29 and 30.
The men were convicted in 2014 of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams’ murder in 2011.
But in March, the United Kingdom’s Privy Council annulled the murder convictions of the four men, citing juror misconduct, and remanded the case to the Jamaican Court of Appeal for consideration regarding a potential retrial.
The upcoming legal proceedings are scheduled for June 10, where the Court of Appeal will convene for a five-day hearing to deliberate on the matter before issuing a decision. Additionally, the Privy Council ordered reimbursement of the defendants’ legal costs.
