Vybz Kartel is expected to remain behind bars even though his murder conviction was recently overturned.
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This is why Vybz Kartel is expected to stay behind bars
According to Caribbean National Weekly, Judge Andrea Thomas delivered the ruling on Thursday, May 30. Judge Thomas’ decision will not only apply to Kartel but also to his three co-defendants.
Judge Thomas reportedly believes that although Kartel’s murder conviction was overturned, “the matter of a retrial is still pending.” Therefore, “the crime of murder is still valid”.
“I find that their current state of detention does not violate the constitution,” Judge Thomas said.
According to DancehallMag, lawyer Lisa White further explained this decision.
“Their continued detention until the Court of Appeal decides the matter is lawful. Although the convictions were overturned, the charges remain intact. They are still charged with murder and the prosecution is still active,” White explained. “The quashing of their convictions means the existing charges can be brought at a new trial. The applicants will not be re-arrested or charged, as the Privy Council did not acquit them but indicated that conviction was unsafe.”
Caribbean National Weekly added that on June 10, the Court of Appeals will begin determining whether Kartel will face a retrial in the murder case. This newspaper added that the Court of Appeal will take 5 days to reach a conclusion.
Reaction on social networks
Social media users reacted to the recent verdict on Kartel’s fate in The Shade Room’s comments section.
Instagram user @sexyylilmf wrote, “They just don’t want us to have a great summer, hm?”
While Instagram user @jamaicavybz added: “WORLD BOSS for free🇯🇲”
Instagram user @jackdennisproduction wrote, “This has now become a personal matter between Vybz Kartel and the System🧏🏾♂️”
While Instagram user @britishhlondynn2 added: “They definitely used him as an example 🙆🏽♀️”
Instagram user @goodmusic_meek wrote, “Where is the dislike button?!”
More details about Vybz Kartel’s detention
As The Shade Room previously reported, Kartel was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 after being convicted of the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.
In March, a judge overturned Kartel’s murder conviction after it was discovered that one of the jurors in the artist’s original trial had been bribed. At that time, Kartel’s case was transferred to the Court of Appeals.
According to Caribbean National Weekly, Kartel shared a statement after his conviction was overturned and expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would release him and his co-defendants without need to be retried.
“I am confident that the Court of Appeal in Jamaica will do the right thing in the name of fairness, justice and equity and set us free. Some people have expressed concern to me that a retrial might be requested, but to them I say (albeit with my limited legal knowledge), ‘What’s left to try again? ‘” he explained.
DancehallMag adds that Kartel also reiterated his innocence and shared his desire to go home to his family, whom he has not seen in over a decade. Furthermore, Kartel explained that he was not “worried at all” because he believed he would be acquitted.
RELATED: London judge overturns Vybz Kartel’s murder conviction after Dancehall artiste appeals
