Vybz Kartel has been granted another opportunity to seek his freedom in the murder case involving Clive “Lizard” Williams, as the Jamaican government has scheduled a new privy council date for him. According to Radio Jamaica News, the dancehall icon is set to appear before the privy council between April 16-18, 2024. This hearing was granted on Wednesday, July 12.
Please note that the dates provided are subject to change, and Vybz Kartel (birth name Adidja Palmer) will be accompanied by his co-defendants Shawn Storm, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John during the proceedings. All four individuals were handed life sentences for their involvement in the murder of promoter Clive “Lizard” Williams.
The privy council, similar to the United States Supreme Court, serves as the highest court in the United Kingdom, governing Great Britain, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and the commonwealth countries. If Vybz Kartel’s plea for freedom is rejected by the privy council, he may face spending the rest of his life in prison, except in exceptional circumstances.
In February, Vybz Kartel filed a petition to present his case before the privy council, but the petition was denied, as reported by LoopNews.
Since his imprisonment in 2014, Vybz Kartel has experienced significant challenges while in prison. The situation has been so dire that his family sought medical intervention in May. Isat Buchanan, the Jamaican dancehall legend’s attorney, shared distressing news with Lisa Evers of Fox 5 News. Buchanan stated, “Mr. Palmer’s illness is actually life-threatening. His neck was swollen to the point where you couldn’t close the collar of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, and that’s how severe it is at the moment.” Furthermore, he revealed that Vybz Kartel’s face had also swelled, and due to his condition, his eyes appeared protruded. Buchanan explained that the protruding eyes are a symptom of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that can be fatal if left untreated, as per the National Institute of Health. It’s worth noting that Missy Elliott also suffers from this condition.
Buchanan expressed deep concern about Vybz Kartel’s deteriorating health due to what he described as “inhumane” jail conditions. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, fearing that without proper intervention, Vybz Kartel’s life could be at risk.
“We are fighting for his life because it’s a dangerous situation,” Buchanan stated during the interview with Fox 5 News. He expressed the fear of receiving a devastating phone call stating that Vybz Kartel, due to being subjected to a 23-hour lockdown and struggling to breathe, had succumbed to his illness.
The outlet also spoke with Vybz Kartel’s son, Adidja Jahiem Palmer, who confirmed his father’s condition. Additionally, Lisa Evers obtained an affidavit from Dr. Karen Phillips, Vybz Kartel’s doctor, who affirmed that the dancehall legend had been suffering from Graves’ disease for nearly seven years. Dr. Phillips stressed the need for immediate surgery to address the condition.
Despite Fox 5 News reaching out for comment, the Jamaica Department of Prisons did not respond to their request.