VYBZ KARTEL’S ‘INHUMANE’ PRISON CONDITIONS

VYBZ Kartel, the hugely popular and prolific Jamaican dancehall singer, endured a tough prison life since his 2011 jailing.

Details of Kartel’s existence behind bars have emerged amid him being set free by the Jamaican Court of Appeal.

In a dramatic ruling, the Court said there should be no retrial of Kartel (Adidja Palmer) and three co-defendants, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John.

In 2014, the accused were convicted for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found.

The convictions of Kartel and the others were recently quashed by the British Privy Council, which gave the Jamaican Court the right to determine whether to retry the artiste or set him free.

The Jamaican Court said on Wednesday: “We conclude that the interest of justice does not require that a new trial be ordered.”

The Court noted the “psychological and financial effects that it would have on the appellants.”

The 48-year-old Kartel said in an affidavit he is suffering from Graves Disease, thyroid disease, and a heart condition that is getting worse and for which he urgently needs surgery.

He was in a brick cell with no air circulation, no water, and a bucket as a toilet.

His attorney described his prison conditions as “inhumane.”

The attorney stated: “His neck is swollen; if you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn’t close the collar on his neck…”

Kartel’s face is also swollen, according to his attorney.

“He wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.”

The artiste has always insisted that he is innocent.

Kartel, also called Worl’ Boss, has several musical hits, including Romping Shop, Dancehall Hero, and Summer Time.

He has collaborated with several prominent rhythm-and-blues and hip-hop entertainers.

Even behind bars, Kartel released music, including more than 50 in 2016.

He is the father of six and grandfather of one.