Why did Vybz Kartel go to jail and when did he get released?

1 August 2024, 13:57

Dancehall singer Vybz Kartel has been released from jail, but why did he go to prison and what crime was he arrested for?

After 13 years in jail, Dancehall singer Vybz Kartel has been released from jail in Jamaica.

The 48-year-old, who is known for his legendary tracks including 'Fever' and 'Summer Time' was freed on Wednesday 31 July.

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Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was initially arrested in 2011, however the Court of appeal ruled against a retrial for the artist.

Why did Vybz Kartel go to jail?

Vybz Kartel went to jail after being arrested in 2011 along with three other men for the murder of their associate Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body has never been recovered.

In 2014, the artist was sentenced to 35 years in prison, later reduced on appeal to 32 and a half.

However, Kartel maintained his innocence and appealed against his conviction, and was released in 2024.

What is Vybz Kartel's illness Graves' Disease?

Vybz Kartel suffered a number of health issues whilst in jail, including thyroid issues, which some outlets report as Graves Disease.

FOX 5 News spoke to his attorney, Isat Buchanan, who revealed that Kartel needed medical help last year.“Mr. Palmer’s illness is actually life-threatening,” he told the longtime New York journalist. “His neck was swollen, if you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn’t close the collar on his neck and that’s how bad it is in this moment.”

He continued: “His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.”

How long was Vybz Kartel in jail for?

Vybz Kartel was in jail for 13 years - from 2011 to 2024. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison, which was later reduced to 32.5.

However, as judges ruled out a retrial, Vybz Kartel was freed in July 2024.

Palmer is reportedly in poor health, which was another factor in determining that a new trial was not merited.

Isat Buchanan, lawyer for Palmer and his co-defendents, told the Jamaica Gleaner: “This is their independence, their emancipation … We have always said this many times during interviews – God and time. We do the work while God grounded us in the faith and so were confident of this outcome.”

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