In a surprising turn of events, dancehall musician Vybz Kartel has been released from prison after serving 13 years for a murder conviction.
The decision was made by Jamaica’s Court of Appeal, which cited Kartel’s deteriorating health and the psychological and financial impacts on him as key reasons against a retrial.
Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, had been convicted in 2014 for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. His defense team highlighted his severe health condition, including a swollen neck and face, which had worsened over the years of his incarceration.
The Court of Appeal ruled unanimously to free Kartel and his co-accused, Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell, Andre St John, and Kahira Jones. The decision was influenced by several factors, such as the unavailability of witnesses and trial exhibits, alongside Kartel’s declining health.
The court found that the prosecution did not effectively account for the availability of its witnesses, and several trial exhibits were either missing or unaccounted for. Additionally, the substantial resources used during the initial trial were considered a significant burden on the court system.
This ruling marks a significant moment in Jamaican legal history and for the music industry, as Vybz Kartel remains one of the most influential figures in dancehall music.
