Vybz Kartel celebrates release after murder conviction overturned by UK judges

Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer, was released from prison on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, after his murder conviction was overturned by UK judges in March. Kartel, who has maintained his innocence since his arrest in 2011, celebrated his freedom by sharing a photo on Instagram of himself on the streets of Jamaica and later posted on Instagram Story, writing, "God is the great."

Kartel had been serving a life sentence for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Despite the absence of Williams' body, Kartel was found guilty in 2014, following a trial that lasted over two months. He was initially sentenced to life with a minimum of 35 years, which was later reduced to 32.5 years upon appeal.

The conviction was overturned by London’s Privy Council due to juror misconduct. Kartel’s defense argued that a juror offered other jurors 500,000 Jamaican dollars (about $3,200) for an acquittal, a claim the trial judge did not properly address. The Privy Council deemed this oversight “fatal to the safety of the convictions” and remanded the case to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal to decide on a retrial.

On July 31, 2024, the Court of Appeal in Jamaica ruled that Kartel would not face a retrial. Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop explained the decision, citing the "egregious nature and seriousness of the offence," the elapsed time, insufficient witnesses and evidence, and the significant cost of a retrial. She also noted Kartel’s declining health, stating, “We conclude that the interests of justice do not require a new trial.”

Following his release, Kartel expressed his gratitude and joy on social media. On Thursday, August 1, he posted on Instagram Story from his bed, acknowledging his faith with the message, “God is the great [praying hands emojis].” Kartel’s legal team and supporters celebrated the decision, with Kartel writing on Instagram, “Victorious!!!! @isatbuchanan Anytime now! #bbc #quashed #bussoff #238 #privycouncil.”