The verdict finding Jamaican artist Vybz Kartel guilty of his involvement in the murder of a colleague over ten years ago has been overturned. The court in London deemed the jury’s decision unreliable due to attempts at bribery during the trial.
Adidja Palmer, known by his stage name as the dancehall star, is a highly renowned artist in Jamaica. He has often worked with successful musicians including Jay-Z and Rihanna.
Kartel, who is 48 years old, has been incarcerated in Jamaica since 2011 for the alleged involvement in the disappearance of his associate Clive “Lizard” Williams. Unfortunately, Williams’ body has yet to be located.
Following a 65-day legal proceeding, among the lengthiest in Jamaican history, Kartel and three co-defendants were found guilty in 2014. Kartel received a life sentence with a minimum of 35 years, which was subsequently reduced to 32 and a half years upon appeal.
In the previous month, Kartel and his accomplices made their ultimate appeal at the judicial committee of the privy council in London, which serves as the last resort for Jamaica and certain other nations in the Commonwealth.
Their attorneys contended that the presiding judge mishandled accusations of a juror’s bribe of J$500,000 (£2,500; $3,200) to sway the jury towards a not guilty verdict.
On Thursday, the defendants’ appeals were granted. Lord Lloyd-Jones stated that the trial judge’s choice to let a juror, who was accused of offering bribes, remain on the jury jeopardized the validity of the convictions.
The privy council instructed the court of appeal in Jamaica to determine if Kartel and his co-defendants should be retried.
Source: theguardian.com
