In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga of Vybz Kartel and his co-accused, Shane Campbell and Shawn St. John, their habeas corpus application has been denied by Judge Andrea Thomas.
The ruling confirms that their continued detention is lawful, pending the outcome of their retrial.
The habeas corpus application, filed on May 13, argued that the Privy Council’s decision to quash their murder convictions in March had effectively ended their detention. However, Judge Thomas disagreed, stating that the charge of murder remains in effect, and their continued detention is lawful until the Court of Appeal decides on a retrial.
The Privy Council’s March 14 ruling had sparked hope for the trio’s release, as it cited juror misconduct in their 2011 trial. However, the Attorney General’s Chambers argued that the application was premature, as the charges still stand and the prosecution remains active.
With the retrial set to begin on June 10, Vybz Kartel, Campbell, and St. John will remain in custody until the Court of Appeal decides their fate.
The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the trio’s freedom and the justice system in Jamaica.
