Jamaican singer, Vybz Kartel fate hangs in balance

Zim Now Writer

Following an appeal to the Privy Council in London, singer Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, has had his conviction overturned after serving over 10 years in prison, with Jamaican authorities yet to decide on his release or retrial.

This comes as the Privy Council found that a member of the jury in the 64-day long trial was accused of trying to bribe others to influence the case judgment.

The musician stood accused of the murder of Clive Williams, whose body was never recovered, leading the court to sentencing Palmer to 35 years in jail, which was later reduced to 32-and-a-half years.

A panel of judges of the council said that the judge on the matter should not have allowed the juror to remain after accusations of bribe, and should not have had a say in the final verdicts.

“Allowing this juror to stay was fatal to the safety of the convictions which followed and an infringement of the defendants’ fundamental right to a fair hearing,” the Council said.

Authorities in Jamaica remain with the authority to decide where the case should be retried or release the singer.