Vlogger Jaii Frais must be charged or freed by 6 p.m. today, court rules

A judge in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court Friday morning ruled that popular vlogger Jaii Frais must be charged or released by 6 p.m. today by the police.

The order was made arising from an application made by his attorney Isat Buchanan.

Jaii Frais, whose given name is Jhaedee Richards, who is also being represented by D’ondré Buchanan, has been in custody since Sunday following a shooting incident at carnival after party Big Wall.

He and two other men were injured in the incident.

Buchanan, who applied for Richards' release this morning, also indicated that Jaii Frais is to be taken to hospital for medical treatment, in keeping with an order issued Wednesday.

The court extended Richard's detention on Wednesday following an application by the police.

Also in custody in relation to Sunday’s incident is music producer Jahvel ‘Jahvy Ambassador ’ Morrison, who was taken to court on Wednesday and whose detention was extended following an application by the police.

Speaking after the hearing, Buchanan explained that the legal team sought the order to have Richards released or charged, noting that an earlier extension had been granted to the Jamaica Constabulary Force to continue its investigation.

He stated that the police had not asked for a further extension and that no indication was given by the police as to whether Richards will be charged before the 6 p.m. deadline.

Buchanan also shared that Richards was not brought to court.

“The judge made particular orders that when I returned to court on Wednesday, he be brought for medical attention. That wasn’t done. It’s being done now,” Buchanan said.

He confirmed that Richards has since been taken to a medical facility for treatment.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Buchanan emphasised the urgency of the situation.

“Delay is not a feature when someone is injured,” he said, while acknowledging that the police are proceeding cautiously to avoid breaching constitutional rights.

- Tanesha Mundle

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