Vybz Kartel, one of the most influential Dancehall artists of his time, spent nearly 13 years behind bars and was sentenced to life in prison a decade ago. This week, Vybz Kartel got out of jail a free man and is already back at work releasing music.
As reported by Jamaica Observer, Vybz Kartel, 48, was released from Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility on Wednesday (July 31) to much fanfare. The popular deejay was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 with the possibility of parole after 35 years. Kartel, whose real name is Adija Palmer, was convicted along with Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St. John for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.
In March this year, the UK's Privy Council overturned the defendants' convictions after finding jury misconduct, sending the matter to Jamaica's Court of Appeal to decide whether the men should be retried or released.
On Wednesday, the judges overseeing the case decided not to grant another trial and allowed Kartel, Campbell and St. John to be released. Jones remained behind bars as he continues to serve an 18-year sentence for an earlier wounding with intent after shooting a man in 2009.
The panel of judges cited 12 factors that allowed the men to go free, including the absence of evidence, the absence of defense witnesses, the absence of prosecution witnesses, Palmer's physical, psychological and emotional health and other relevant factors.
When delivering a statement to ObserverKartel described his time behind bars as “hell” and warned young people in Jamaica to steer clear of a life of crime.
The self-proclaimed 'World Boss' is wasting little time and has released a new project titled First week outa 12-track effort he's been heavily promoting on his social media channels.
Salute to Vybz Kartel!
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Photo: Hiroyuki Ito/Getty