Adidja Azim Palmer, better known as Vybz Kartel, is a Jamaican Dancehall artist who will now remain behind bars despite an overturned murder conviction.
As per Judge Andrea Thomas’s ruling on Thursday, May 30, the decision will not only apply to Kartel but also to his three co-defendants.
Vybz Kartel’s Statement
After his conviction was reversed, Vybz Kartel (48) gave an initial statement in which he expressed optimism that the Court of Appeal would free him and his co-defendants without a new trial.
“I am confident that the Court of Appeal in Jamaica will do the right thing in the name of equity, fairness, and justice and free us.” Part of the Vybz Kartel message read:.
But to his disappointment, Judge Thomas reportedly overturned the murder case, and he will now remain locked just as he was initially because the judge believes that even though Kartel’s murder conviction was overturned, “the issue of the retrial is pending.” Therefore, “the charge of murder still remains in effect.”
“I find that their present custodial status is not in breach of the constitution,” Judge Thomas ruled.
Why Vybz Kartel will remain locked up
Attorney Lisa White further explained for clarity why the Jamaican artist will still remain locked, saying it is lawful for them to remain locked up until the appeal court decides their fate because they are still charged with murder and the prosecution is a very active reason why they can’t take any chances by letting them walk free as they are felonies.
“It is lawful for them to remain detained until the Appeal Court decides the matter. Although the convictions have been quashed, the charges still stand. They are still charged with murder, and the prosecution remains active,” White clarified.
According to sources, on June 10th, the Court of Appeal will begin determining whether Vybz Kartel will face a retrial in the murder case, a decision that will take the Court of Appeal a maximum of 5 days to come to a final decision.
Why Vybz Kartel has been behind Bars
The ‘Rambo Kanambo‘ hitmaker Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life in prison back in the year 2014 after being convicted of the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. after serving 35 years of his sentence.
His co-accused were also handed life sentences, with Shawn Storm and Jones being eligible for parole after serving 25 years, and St. John being eligible after serving 15 years.
In March, a judge overturned Kartel’s murder conviction after it was discovered that one of the jurors on the artist’s original trial was bribed.