Protesters call for end to YSL trial as judge considers possible annulment of trial

FULTON COUNTY, Georgia. – Supporters of Atlanta rapper Young Thug are gathering at the Fulton County Courthouse to call for an end to the Almost a year long YSL RICO trial.

The trial is on hold until Monday as the judge considers a mistrial and defense attorneys negotiate possible plea deals.

On Thursday, Judge Paige Reese Whitaker fired everyone for the day without explanation.

Several social media accounts reported that defense attorneys met with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Chief Deputy District Attorney Adriane Love Thursday morning to discuss potential plea deals. FOX 5 has not independently confirmed that information, although one of the defense attorneys indicated to FOX 5 that something big would happen on Monday.

Protest organizers say they are concerned about what they call “prosecutorial misconduct” in the high-profile case.

“My message is: At what point do we say this is unfair? At what point does the justice system say we were wrong? We need to rethink what we’re doing and mistrial or dismiss it, and when I say try again, I’m not I mean to try the case again,” said organizer Ten Wilkerson.

The group says their protest is not about supporting Young Thug, but rather about “safeguarding the principles of justice and fairness that underpin the legal system.”

SEE ALSO: Georgia Supreme Court Overturns Contempt Order Against Young Thug’s Attorney Brian Steel

Judge considers the trial against YSL null and void

For months, the trial has been plagued by delays and interruptions, including illness, the arrest of a juror and an attorney, the stabbing of one of the defendants in jail, and the dismissal of the judge originally assigned to the case.

The latest incident occurred on Wednesday, when rapper Slimelife Shawty, one of the original 28 defendants, took the stand. The prosecutor asked him to review social media posts to identify other people involved in the case. As he did so, the witness read aloud the legend “FREE”, revealing information the jury was not supposed to know about which defendants were incarcerated.

Nicole Westmoreland, one of Quamarvious Nichols’ attorneys, immediately expressed concern.

“Now the jury has heard repeatedly that Mr. Nichols is in jail, in prison, and we can’t unring that bell, so we’re going to ask for a mistrial,” Westmoreland said.

Judge Whitaker acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but said she would not grant a mistrial with prejudice, meaning the case could not be retried. However, he did indicate that he would consider granting a mistrial without prejudice.

There are currently five people on trial with Jeffery Williams, also known as Young Thug. It will be up to each defendant whether they decide to accept a plea deal from the state. Some of the defendants face more serious charges than others, including murder.

The Young Thug and YSL RICO trial is the longest criminal trial in Georgia history.