Adidja Palmer, known professionally as Vybz Kartel, has been released from prison after 13 years behind bars in Jamaica. This followed an appeal to overturn his conviction for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams in August 2011. Kartel was sentenced to life in prison in 2014, along with three other men who were found guilty of murdering Williams in a dispute over two missing guns. The trial lasted 64 days and was one of the longest in Jamaican history, and Kartel was ordered to serve at least 32 and a half years in prison. Following the March 2024 appeals decision that his conviction was unsafe, the Jamaican court of appeals declined to retry him, resulting in a freed Kartel.
Per Jamaica Gleaner, fans of Kartel were seen celebrating outside the Kingston courthouse after the verdict was delivered. The rapper and former reality TV star shared a video of himself and his wife, Sidem Öztürk, celebrating his release on social media. Kartel had worked with a number of high-profile musicians before his conviction, including Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and Jay-Z, and has continued to release music from prison, with his latest album, ‘Party With Me’, being released in June 2024. Fans have shared their excitement over his release.
Kartel’s release followed an appeal process which focused on possible juror misconduct during his trial. One of the jurors allegedly attempted to bribe others on the panel and was not dismissed from the case despite this. Kartel’s trial became a landmark event in Jamaica’s history, and he has been held up as an emblematic figure in the country’s music industry and in debates over the justice system. His release will be widely welcomed by supporters of prison reform in Jamaica
Read the full article on NME here: Read More
