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Vybz Kartel, the prominent Jamaican dancehall artist, is now a free man after spending ten years in prison. His release follows the effective overturning of his 2014 murder conviction in which he was found guilty of the death of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Kartel’s conviction was recently reviewed by a Jamaican court of appeals, which opted not to proceed with a retrial.
Earlier this year, the United Kingdom-based Privy Council annulled Kartel’s conviction due to significant evidence indicating juror misconduct during the original trial. This ruling paved the way for the appeals court in Jamaica to make the final decision regarding the potential retrial of Kartel and his co-defendants.
On Wednesday, the Jamaican Court of Appeal affirmed that a new trial was unwarranted. The court stated, “The interests of justice do not require a new trial to be ordered,” as reported by Jamaica Observer.
A crowd of enthusiastic supporters gathered to celebrate outside the court as attorney Isat Buchanan emerged. Fans cheered, exclaiming, “Free worl’ boss!” in support of their favorite artist.
The initial trial lasted over two months, leading to convictions on March 14, 2014. Prosecutors asserted that Kartel had orchestrated Williams’ murder over a dispute regarding missing firearms. Witnesses claimed that Kartel had lured Williams to his residence, where he was subsequently beaten to death. Notably, police testified regarding a text found on Kartel’s phone that referred to Williams’ body as being turned to “mincemeat,” yet Williams’ remains were never discovered.
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In a case that drew considerable public interest, allegations of juror bribery surfaced during the trial. Despite these claims, the judge opted to continue with the proceedings rather than dismiss the jury. This issue became pivotal during Kartel’s lengthy appeals, centered around potential juror misconduct.
Before his incarceration, Kartel was a dominant figure in the Jamaican music scene, having collaborated with international stars such as Rihanna, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and Pitbull. Even while imprisoned, he continued to produce music, including the successful 2016 single “Fever.”
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www.rollingstone.com