Dancehall star Vybz Kartel and two of his three co-accused remain behind bars after being denied bail in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

Supreme Court Justice Andrea Thomas handed down the ruling, contrary to reports that they had been granted bail.

In denying bail, Thomas stated, “In view of the fact that their appeal is not yet determined they should remain in custody until their appeal is concluded… That is until a verdict of acquittal is entered or there is a decision for a retrial.”

Lawyers representing Kartel and his co-accused filed a habeas corpus application seeking their release on May 14.

This follows the Privy Council’s March 14 ruling that overturned their convictions for the 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

Despite this, Kartel remains in prison, questioning the need for a retrial, stating, “I feel victorious in this very moment as the Privy Council, in their infinite wisdom, understood the assignment and remedied the situation by quashing my conviction! I am now back to being an innocent man in the eyes of the law.”

He added, “I am confident that the Court of Appeal in Jamaica will do the right thing in the name of equity, fairness, and justice and free us.”

SOURCE : Jamaica Observer