Kartel’s Attorney, Alexandra LaBeach Gives Update After Appeal: Believes Retrial Would Not “be in the best interest of justice

Reviewing the appeal of  Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer , his attorney-at-law, Alexandra LaBeach, stated that the Privy Council's d...

Reviewing the appeal of Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer, his attorney-at-law, Alexandra LaBeach, stated that the Privy Council's decision to quash the conviction is recognised as a "win," despite the case being sent back to the Jamaican Court of Appeal.

"It still is justice; it's still a win; it still is something that is appreciated by us, and we believe that the appellants will share the same sentiments because, as said before, if they have gained nothing else, they no longer have that conviction over their heads," LaBeach said in an interview.

While the Privy Council had the power to rule that Vybz Kartel and his co-defendants should be freed, she noted that there were many issues that had to be considered, leading the judges to decide what the Jamaican Court of Appeal should delve into.

In an interview on TVJ's Smile Jamaica after the appeal win, LaBeach was asked whether the Privy Council's ruling might suggest that the defendants are not necessarily innocent, but rather that the Jamaican Court of Appeal needs to correct certain errors.

LaBeach dismissed that assumption, expressing her understanding by saying, "This thing that was done to them was injustice, and we have a chance here to make things right within our own courts." According to LaBeach, the next step would be to apply for bail for the defendants soon. Additionally, the defendants can sue the state if they are ultimately freed.

On the other hand, if there is to be a retrial, the Supreme Court will set the date. The interview also featured her sharing information regarding Vybz Kartel's current health condition. The Dancehall deejay has been suffering from Graves' disease for a long time, and his appeal was expedited after his condition deteriorated in prison.

"He is unwell; he is hanging in there, but his medical state still looms over him, so we would want to get him the medical assistance that he needs as soon as is possible," she said. She also went on to say that she does not see a good basis for a retrial, "We don't believe a retrial will be in the best interest of Justice," she outlined.