Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel has had his murder conviction overturned by the Privy Council in the UK.
The 48-year-old musician, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014 for his alleged involvement in the killing of Clive “Lizard” Williams in Jamaica.
The Privy Council ruled that there was misconduct by a juror in the original trial, who was accused of attempting to bribe other jurors.
The Council decided that it was unsafe for the tainted juror to remain on the jury that decided Kartel’s fate. As a result, the murder conviction has been overturned and the case will be remitted to the Jamaican Court of Appeal to determine if a retrial is necessary.
Vybz Kartel is one of Jamaica’s most popular and influential artists, known for his distinctive dancehall style.
He has collaborated with top American artists such as Jay-Z and Rihanna. His trial in Kingston lasted 64 days, making it one of the longest trials in Jamaican history. Initially sentenced to life with a minimum of 35 years, his sentence was later reduced to 32-and-a-half years on appeal.
The news of Vybz Kartel’s overturned conviction has sparked mixed reactions among his supporters and critics. Many are awaiting the decision of the Jamaican Court of Appeal on the possible retrial of the case.
