Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, has been released from prison after serving over a decade. In March, the UK Privy Council overturned his 2014 murder conviction. Kartel had been accused of killing Clive “Lizard” Williams in 2011, but he always maintained his innocence.
Prosecutors claimed that Williams and another man, Lamar Chow, failed to return unlicensed firearms given to them by Kartel. They alleged that Kartel summoned them to his home, where Williams was last seen alive.
However, the Privy Council found flaws in the trial, particularly concerning a juror accused of trying to bribe others. This compromised the fairness of the proceedings, leading to the conviction being deemed unsafe.
On Wednesday, Jamaica’s Court of Appeal decided not to retry Kartel. The court cited the long time since the incident, challenges in gathering evidence, and Kartel’s declining health. Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop stated that a new trial would not serve justice. Thus, Kartel and his co-defendants were formally acquitted.
Kartel’s release has generated significant reaction in Jamaica and the global dancehall community. Known for hits like “Clarks,” “Ramping Shop,” and “Summer Time,” Kartel remained influential in the music industry even while imprisoned. His release marks a pivotal moment for dancehall music and its fans.
As Kartel returns to public life, many are eager to see his next steps. While fans celebrate his freedom, the unresolved case of Clive Williams continues to cast a shadow over this high-profile legal saga.