Legal Controversy Unfolds: DPP Llewellyn’s Reason to Proceed with Tainted Jury Questioned by Cliff Hughes, Shawn Storm and Vybz Kartel
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March 18, 2024
DPP Llewellyn’s Unwavering Stance Amidst Controversy
In a revealing interview on Nationwide Radio on Monday, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn faced tough questions regarding her decision to continue the trial despite jury tampering. The interview was thrust into the limelight when a video clip from the interview was reshared by Vybz Kartel Monday evening, stirring a public debate.
Llewellyn, with years of experience under her belt, defended her choice, pointing to her past encounters with similar challenges plus highlighting that 64 days had passed in the trial. Despite trying her best to explain to the reporter her reason for her actions, the reporter rebutted and followed up with stern questions.
She was ultimately questioned if she would reconsider her decision, if she could go back in time, seemingly upset at the question, she strongly responded, “you are not going to get me there!” The interview seemingly ended thereafter.
After the interview, the question was raised by Cliff Hughes whether or night it was “legally correct” to continue the trial based on past instances. The past instances were also questioned by Hughes, “the fact that you have been doing it on several occasions before does not make it right!” he declared.
Shawn Storm and Vybz Kartel’s Critique of DPP’s Decision
The controversy took a new turn when Vybz Kartel, publicly questioned the DPP’s judgment on Instagram. He highlighted a perceived admission by Llewellyn of recurring instances where trials proceeded despite questionable jury integrity.
Kartel‘s poignant statement underscored a broader societal issue: the intersection of justice, constitutional rights, and socio-economic disparities. His words resonated with many, amplifying concerns about the fairness of the legal process, especially for those lacking the resources to contest all the way to the highest courts.
Vybz Kartel wrote, “Hold on, did she just admit that she and suchman have done this several times before???!!! Oooh so it wasnt the first time constitutional rights were breached? When you poor & can’t afford to fight all the way to the top,is a hell ova ting…the constitution is a sacred document and constitutional rights belong to the people, regardless of social/financial status.”
Co-Accused, Shawn Storm also reacted to the DPP’s statements, he commented, “Dem ting yah happen wen black ppl have too much power. Plus she did a lot of thinking but never thought about MY RIGHTS TO A FAIR TRIAL!!!!!!!!.”
Kartel also shared the statement below:
The Road Ahead: Retrial and Legal Scrutiny
Despite the backlash, DPP Llewellyn remains steadfast in her decision to seek a retrial, awaiting dates from the Privy Council and the Court of Appeal. This move signals a continuation of a legal saga that has captured Jamaica’s attention, raising critical questions about the integrity of the judicial process.
As the saga unfolds, the nation watches keenly, aware that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Jamaica’s justice system and its perception by the public. The balance between legal procedure and the fundamental rights of individuals remains at the heart of this debate, underscoring the ongoing struggle to uphold justice in the face of complex challenges.
