Has Vybz Kartel been released? Inside his prison sentence and when he’ll be free

1 August 2024, 09:12 | Updated: 1 August 2024, 09:34

Vybz Kartel is now free and has been released from prison. The dancehall artist has had his 2014 murder conviction overturned by a judge in Jamaica.

Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican dancehall artist, has had his conviction for murder overturned by UK judges. However, he has now faced a legal setback after a judge has denied the rapper bail.

The 48-year-old was originally given a life sentence in 2014 for the killing of his associate Clive 'Lizard' Williams in Jamaica.

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Now, Vybz Kartel has been released after 13 years of being in jail in Jamaica, so here's everything you need to know.

1. Is Vybz Kartel been free from jail?

   Kartel and his co-accused Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John will not face a new trial, the Court of Appeal ruled today in a unanimous decision.

   Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop announced the decision, as per Fox 5: ‘We conclude that the interest of justice do not require a new trial to be ordered for the appellants.’

   The appeal argued that a juror accused of trying to bribe others should have been thrown off his trial, and authorities will decide whether the case will face a retrial.

   The judge continued, as per Dancehall Mag: ‘We therefore make the following order: judgments and verdicts of acquittal are entered in relation to the appellants.’

   

   On May 30 2024, Vybz Kartel was ordered to remain in jail alongside his co-accused after judges rejected their initial appeal.

   Justice Thomas told a packed court room at the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston that, “In view of the fact that their appeal is not yet determined they should remain in custody until their appeal is concluded.

   “That is until a verdict of acquittal is entered or there is a decision for a retrial,” Thomas said.

2. When is Vybz Kartel's Retrial?

   Over a month after the announcement of Vybz Kartel's release from prison in March 2024, his retrial date has been set.

   The dancehall artist attended a hearing on 10 June that decided whether he should be released for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

   However, judges have ruled that he does not require a retrial and is now free.

3. How long was Vybz Kartel in prison for?

   In 2014, Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, was sentenced to 35 year minimum in jail.

   This sentence was then reduced to 32.5 years in prison, but has now been freed due to his conviction being quashed due to juror misconduct.

   The artist released numerous songs and projects whilst in prison, many of which have been critically acclaimed.

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