Vybz Kartel got diagnosed with unreasonable health conditions in prison.
Vybz Kartel is sick in jail.
International music icon Vybz Kartel is still fighting in the courts for his release, but he now has an even more pressing issue to contend with: his health and survival.
His private doctor informed authorities in a sworn medical document obtained by FOX 5 that his Graves' Disease and heart condition were worsening and that it would be fatal if he did not get surgery soon.
In interviews, his attorney said inhumane prison conditions are putting his life at risk. The best outcome will be prayed for, according to Kartel's son.
"He's in a cell, and if you can picture a brick oven, because that's how those cells are built, the ventilation is next to none," said human rights attorney Isat Buchanan.
"Mr. Palmer's illness is actually life-threatening," Buchanan said.
Millions of fans all over the world recognise Adidja Palmer as the performer Vybz Kartel. He has been held in solitary confinement for the past week due to an alleged cell phone offence.
Many people's favourite Dancehall music icon has been imprisoned in Jamaica since 2011 as a result of a murder conviction. He claims he did not commit the crime and is challenging his conviction before the UK's highest court.
His health is currently getting worse due to the harsh lockdown circumstances, which include being in a brick cell with no air circulation, no water, and a bucket for a toilet. According to Buchanan, who saw him on Memorial Day, such is the case.
"His neck was 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 and that's how bad it is in this moment," Buchanan said. "His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude."
"Fighting for his life, yes, because it can be dangerous," Buchanan said. "We do not want to get a phone call to say that because he was under this 23-hour lockdown, and unable to breathe, that he succumbed to his illness."