Vybz Kartel, dancehall icon released from prison after 12 Years

Jamaican dancehall superstar, Vybz Kartel has finally regained his freedom after spending 12 long years behind bars. 

The iconic artist, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was incarcerated in 2011 for his alleged involvement in the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

He, along with three other men, Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Andre St John, and Kahira Jones – were accused of Williams’ murder, leading to a protracted legal battle.

They were originally convicted in 2014 and sentenced to life in prison.

However, their convictions were overturned by the Privy Council in March 2014 due to juror misconduct, leading to the current appeal whether a retrial Shou take place.

The Court of Appeal of Jamaica on Wednesday, decided against a retrial, marking the end of a nearly 13-year legal battle that has gripped the country.

Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, the newly appointed President of the Court of Appeal, led the panel of judges that delivered the much-anticipated decision.

While Kartel, Campbell, and St John are now free men, Jones will remain in custody due to a sentence in an unrelated case.

Vybz Kartel shared a clip of himself celebrating his freedom with his wife on Wednesday night.

In the X caption, he wrote: “Am out! Me and wifey.”