Jamaican Court Frees Vybz Kartel After 13 Years Behind Bars

Triumphant Release: “Jamaican Court Orders Release of Vybz Kartel After 13 Years of Imprisonment“

Triumphant Release: "Jamaican Court Orders Release of Vybz Kartel After Years of Imprisonment" — *Jamaican Court Orders Release of Vybz Kartel*

The Jamaican Court of Appeal has triumphantly ordered the release of Vybz Kartel, also known as Adidja Palmer, after years of incarceration. The court determined that justice would not be served by ordering a new trial. The ruling emphasized that Kartel would be unlikely to complete a potentially longer sentence if retried, considering the severe psychological and financial strain it would place on him and his co-defendants.

Vybz Kartel and his three co-defendants were imprisoned in 2011 and convicted in 2014 for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, despite Williams’ body never being found. The conviction was primarily based on circumstantial evidence, including video and phone records from Kartel’s BlackBerry Torch, and testimony from a discredited witness. Throughout his imprisonment, Kartel has maintained his innocence and sought to overturn his conviction.

In the spring of 2024, Kartel’s conviction was overturned by the British Privy Council due to juror misconduct. This decision was referred back to the Jamaican Court of Appeal to determine whether a retrial or outright acquittal was appropriate. The court ultimately decided against a retrial, effectively ending any further prosecution.

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The Appeal Court Overturns Vbyz Kartel’s Murder Conviction

Kartel has endured harsh prison conditions, reportedly battling Graves’ Disease under what his attorney described as “inhumane” circumstances. Despite an appeal in 2020 that upheld the convictions, the case was escalated to the Privy Council, Jamaica’s final court of appeal, which overturned the convictions in February 2024.

Kartel’s legal journey has been long and arduous, marked by persistent efforts to prove his innocence. The recent court decision brings a significant victory for the artist and his legal team, ending a prolonged battle and opening the path to his freedom.