Vybz Kartel freed from prison after 13 years behind bars

Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel has been freed from prison after his murder conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal.

Kartel, along with Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John, was initially sentenced to life in 2014 for the 2011 killing of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. The Court of Appeal, citing a unanimous decision, ruled that the interests of justice did not necessitate a new trial. Consequently, the judgments and verdicts of acquittal were entered for all appellants, as announced by Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop.

Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer, is a prominent figure in Caribbean music, known for collaborations with artists like Rihanna and Jay-Z. Despite maintaining their innocence, the co-accused endured Jamaica’s longest trial, lasting 64 days. Their successful appeal, heard by the Privy Council in London, argued that a juror accused of attempting to bribe others should have been dismissed. While the Privy Council overturned the convictions, they deferred the final decision to the Court of Appeal, which has now acquitted the men.