Dancehall Star Vybz Kartel Won His Appeal Over Murder Conviction

In a groundbreaking turn of events, Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel's conviction for the murder of his associate has been quashed by a London court. The court ruled that attempts to bribe the trial jury rendered the conviction unsafe, leading to this significant legal development. This article explores the details of the case, the impact on Kartel's career, and the implications for the justice system in Jamaica. Join us as we delve into this captivating story, brought to you by Pure Jamaica Media.

The Rise of Vybz Kartel:
Born Adidja Palmer, Vybz Kartel is a renowned Jamaican musician and one of the most popular artists in the country. His talent and unique style have earned him collaborations with international performers like Jay-Z and Rihanna. With a massive fan base and a string of chart-topping hits, Kartel's music has transcended borders and captivated audiences worldwide.

The Murder Case and Trial:
The incident that led to Kartel's legal troubles dates back to 2011 when his associate, Clive "Lizard" Williams, mysteriously disappeared. Despite exhaustive investigations, Williams' body was never found. In 2014, after a lengthy 64-day trial in Kingston, Vybz Kartel and three others were convicted of Williams' murder. Kartel was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 35 years.

The Bribery Allegations:
During the trial, allegations emerged that one of the jurors had offered a bribe of 500,000 Jamaican dollars (approximately $3,200) to fellow jurors in exchange for a not guilty verdict. These shocking allegations raised concerns about the integrity of the trial and the fairness of the verdict. Kartel's legal team argued that the trial judge mishandled the situation by allowing the juror in question to remain on the jury, thereby compromising the safety of the convictions.

The Quashed Conviction:
On a fateful day, the Privy Council, the final court of appeal in Jamaica and other Commonwealth countries, heard the final possible appeal from Kartel and his co-defendants. After careful consideration, Judge David Lloyd-Jones concluded that the trial judge's decision to retain the juror accused of bribery was detrimental to the safety of the convictions. As a result, the Privy Council quashed the convictions and referred the case back to the Court of Appeal in Jamaica.

Implications and Future Proceedings:
With Vybz Kartel's conviction overturned, the Court of Appeal in Jamaica now faces the task of deciding whether Kartel and his co-defendants should stand trial again. This development has far-reaching implications for the justice system in Jamaica, raising questions about the handling of jurors and the overall fairness of trials. The outcome of the upcoming proceedings will undoubtedly shape the future of this high-profile case and have a profound impact on Kartel's career and reputation.

Conclusion:
The quashing of Vybz Kartel's murder conviction by a London court has sent shockwaves through the music industry and the justice system in Jamaica. This landmark decision highlights the significance of fair trials and the crucial role of jurors in delivering justice. As the case heads back to the Court of Appeal in Jamaica, the world awaits the next chapter in this captivating saga. Stay tuned to Pure Jamaica Media for the latest updates and analysis on this compelling story that has gripped the nation and the international community. For more engaging content, visit our website at www.purejamaicamedia.com 

1 The convictions of Vybz Kartel and his co-defendants are "quashed" -  and Jamaica's highest court, the Court of Appeals, is to decide if there is to be a new trial.

2 This means Kartel cannot remain imprisoned for anything presented in his trial and that he is also TEMPORARILY free.

3 Additionally, given that the Privy Council is unequivocal in its ruling that Kartel's trial was so flawed that the convictions must be thrown out....Jamaica's Court of Appeals is now burdened with essentially determining if the trial should have resulted in NOT GUILTY verdicts for the accused and if the defendants can reasonably secure a fair new trial.

4 While it is possible the Court of Appeals could order a new trial.....the present trajectory is leaning towards them not doing so. The momentum has considerably swung in Kartel's favor.

The drama continues.....

CREDIT : Ragashanti