Vybz Kartel Freed After Appeals Court Declines Retrial
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has been released from prison after a Jamaican appeals court decided not to retry him. Kartel's 2014 murder conviction was overturned earlier this year by the UK Privy Council, citing juror misconduct.
On Wednesday, the Jamaican Court of Appeal ruled against a retrial, stating, "The interests of justice do not require a new trial," according to the Jamaica Observer.
Kartel and his co-defendants were originally convicted on March 14, 2014, of murdering Clive "Lizard" Williams. The prosecution alleged that Williams was killed over missing firearms and was lured to Kartel's home before being beaten to death. Williams' body was never found. Kartel and his co-accused have maintained their innocence throughout.
Despite the controversy, Kartel, a prominent Jamaican artist known for hits and collaborations with international stars, continued to release music while imprisoned.
Kartel and his co-defendants were originally convicted on March 14, 2014, of murdering Clive "Lizard" Williams. The prosecution alleged that Williams was killed over missing firearms and was lured to Kartel's home before being beaten to death. Williams' body was never found. Kartel and his co-accused have maintained their innocence throughout.
Despite the controversy, Kartel, a prominent Jamaican artist known for hits and collaborations with international stars, continued to release music while imprisoned.
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel is free. The Court of Appeal just ruled that he and three co-accused should not be retried for murder. Freedom, a day before Jamaica celebrates Emancipation Day, caps an almost 13-year journey of arrests, trial, convictions, and a successful appeal. pic.twitter.com/p2GKlIt0jP
— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) July 31, 2024
