Kartel and Legal team return to the Jamaica Court of Appeal for new hearing.
DJ Treasure
March 16 2024
On Thursday, March 2024 the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council passed the judgment that Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, has been waiting to hear since he was arrested in 2011. The ruling from the UK Privy Council assured him that he would receive under the laws of the Jamaican judicial system a fair and equal trial and overturned his conviction due to jury tampering and misconduct. It is alleged that a jury member was discovered attempting to bribe other jurors and was allowed to remain on the jury after this discovery.
In 2011, the international reggae and dancehall star was arrested for the murder of his former associate Clive “Lizard” Williams. Williams’ body was never located but the Jamaican police arrested the musician for the murder. 10 years to the date of his appeal on March 14, 2014, he was found guilty after he and his codefendants were tried for 2 months in what seemed to be very unreliable evidence gathering by the local Jamaican police. His attorneys request for the case to be thrown out because of evidence tampering and bad handling of and lack of properly securing the evidence that was used against him in the original case. Vybz Kartel and his team brought the appeal to the highest court in the Jamaica judiciary system which lies in the UK. Jamaica who gained their independence in 1962 opted to remain a commonwealth of the UK and continues to retain the monarchy as the head of the state. In short term the King of England still rules Jamaica. Which is why legal counsel for Vybz Kartel challenged the guilty verdict in 2014 by taking it to the highest court of appeal ‘The Privy Council’ which is in the UK.
Vybz Kartel who is arguably the biggest artist to come out of Jamaica since the likes of Bob Marley, Grammy Winner Shabba Ranks, and Beenie Man has maintained his innocence throughout. While incarcerated he has fought health issues such as graved disease but still managed to top the charts with recent recordings from his current prison. Fans of the iconic star are excited and anticipate his return hoping this possible retrial will allow him a new opportunity at freedom. According to the Council in a live stream on Thursday, “Allowing Juror X to remain on the jury is fatal to the safety of the convictions which followed,” the court ruled. “It was an infringement of the appellants’ fundamental right to a fair hearing under the Jamaican Constitution.”
Members of the self-titled Adidjaheim Records (Adidjah “Vybz Kartel “Palmer) patiently await the results of the request for bail as Vybz Kartel could potentially be released in the upcoming weeks. Vybz Kartel who was once also based in New York City while his career developed has a stronghold on American dancehall fans. His signed artists, friends and fans know that it could be just days before the iconic reggae star is released. Lenox Butler “Lenny Matic” lifelong best friend and signed artist of Vybz Kartel remains vigilant in keeping the promotion and unity of the US musical crew. Butler brother of Vybz Kartel’s first manager Rohan Butler first introduced his best friend to his brother Rohan who helped to usher the young artist into the music industry. His career took off with his first hit single “Tek” and his debut album in 2003. For 21 years Kartel has captured the hearts of reggae, dancehall and hip-hop fans across the world with his lyrics and wordplay. His team, led by Isat Buchan spoke to the Jamaican Gleaner advised that they are awaiting the response of the Jamaica Court of Appeal on consideration for a retrial, and when it is expected and also if a bail hearing will be possible.
The judgement was aired via live stream and can be viewed here.
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