After receiving a three-decade long prison sentence, R. Kelly‘s lawyer is suing a New York prison for placing her client on suicide watch.
having been found guilty of racketeering and violating an anti-sex trafficking law by leading a scheme to recruit women for sex, the superstar singer/songwriter (born Robert Sylvester Kelly) was sentenced to 30 years on Wednesday (6.30.)
On Friday (7.01) Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, claimed that the musician had been placed on suicide watch at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center for “purely punitive reasons” because he’s a “high-profile inmate” and he has no thoughts of harming himself.
According to E! News the lawyer stated “My partner and I spoke with Mr. Kelly following his sentencing. He expressed that he was mentally fine, was behaving appropriately, and was eager to pursue his appeal. He did express concerns that even though he was NOT suicidal, (Metropolitan Detention Center) would place him on suicide watch.” “We are in the process of filing a complaint and an emergency rule to show cause with the courts.”
She believes holding Kelly in confinement without cause “is illegal and they will be held accountable for it” and he Federal Bureau of Prisons responded by saying “The BOP is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all inmates in our population, our staff, and the public. Humane treatment of the men and women in our custody is a top priority.”
In court documents filed on Saturday (7.02,) Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Speight insisted that Kelly remains on suicide watch “for his own safety” following a psychological assessment, and stated that his “current life circumstances undoubtedly bring emotional distress”.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Rhododendrites