R. Kelly Lawyers File Emergency Appeal After He Was “Illegally” Placed On Suicide Watch: He Was Not Suicidal

R. Kelly

R. Kelly Lawyers File Emergency Appeal After He Was “Illegally” Placed On Suicide Watch: He Was Not Suicidal

Attorney’s for R&B singer R. Kelly are disputing claims that he’s suicidal.

According to reports, the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Brooklyn, where the 55-year-old musician is currently imprisoned, placed him on suicide watch earlier today (July 1st). The move comes days after the “Ignition” singer received a 30 year prison sentence in New York.

Lawyers representing Kelly, however, claim the suicide watch placement is illegal, and are motioning to have the decision overturned immediately. Reportedly, his lawyer stated:

“Mr. Kelly was placed on suicide watch for purely punitive reasons in violation of his Eighth Amendment rights,” 

R. Kelly

She continued:

“MDC has a policy of placing high profile individuals under the harsh conditions of suicide watch whether they are suicidal or not. MDC Brooklyn is being run like a gulag.”

Robert ‘R.’ Kelly was found guilty on one count of racketeering and 8 violations of the Mann Act, which makes it illegal to transport individuals across state lines for “immoral purposes.” The racketeering charge reportedly included “14 underlying acts of sexual exploitation of a child, kidnapping, bribery, and sex trafficking charges.”

Kelly’s lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, claims to have spoken to the Chicago native following his lengthy prison sentence. She stated that he was mentally ok, but was concerned that he’d be placed on suicide watch despite. She told reporters:

“My partner and I spoke with Mr. Kelly following his sentencing, he expressed that he was mentally fine and only expressed concern that even though he was not suicidal, MDC would place him on suicide watch.”

The procedures for suicide watch inmates reportedly varies per location. Reportedly, some individuals are forced to strip naked and are held in isolation rooms. Kelly’s lawyer’s say, however, stated they are moving to get him out sooner rather than later. Jennifer concluded:

“We are in the process of filing an emergency rule to show cause with the courts….MDC Brooklyn’s confinement of Mr. Kelly to suicide watch is illegal, and they will be held accountable for it.”

[VIA 1,2]

Do you believe R. Kelly was wrongly placed on suicide watch? Give us your thoughts in the comments section.