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Jamaica’s Court of Appeal has ordered the release of dancehall artist Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused from their 2011 murder conviction of Clive “Lizard” Williams.
The unanimous decision, led by President of the Court of Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, was based on 12 factors including the severity of the crime, the prosecution's case strength, witness availability, retrial feasibility, and the toll of their 13-year imprisonment.
In June, the Court heard extensive arguments from both sides.
Defense attorney Isat Buchanan argued for acquittal due to constitutional breaches, while Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson argued for a retrial based on the case’s gravity and public interest.
The UK-based Privy Council overturned the convictions in March 2024 due to juror misconduct, but left the decision of a retrial to the Court of Appeal.
Kartel and his co-accused, who have always maintained their innocence, were originally convicted in March 2014 and sentenced to life in prison.