Following his successful UK Privy Council Appeal trial, Adijah Palmer, known as Vybz Kartel is claiming King Charles as the “1 leader.”
A statement on X from the incarcerated deejay’s official account on Saturday May 11, stated, “1 world leader me recognize. #Kingcharles111.”
The UK’s Privy Council overturned Vybz Kartel’s murder conviction in a 18 page judgment handed down due to juror misconduct affecting his constitutional rights. The Privy Council found the judge’s handling of the misconduct inadequate, leading to a material irregularity in the trial. The case is now remitted to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal to decide whether a retrial is warranted. The original conviction, along with Kartel’s co-accused, was for the murder of Clive Williams, allegedly over missing firearms.
The trial was marked by contentious telecommunications evidence and allegations of jury tampering, which the judge failed to adequately address. Despite previous appeals being dismissed, this ruling not only impacts Kartel’s case but sets a precedent for future legal challenges involving similar issues of evidence admissibility and procedural fairness.
The Jamaica Court of Appeals has scheduled a retrial hearing for Vybz Kartel and his co-accused in the murder case of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams, beginning on June 10, 2024 and lasting for five days. The court has outlined specific deadlines for filing skeleton submissions and arguments, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive chronology of relevant events. Kartel, originally sentenced to life in prison in 2014, awaits the outcome of the retrial hearing, along with his co-accused.
The former Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn, has said she had plans to pursue a retrial for Vybz Kartel and his co-accused in the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams in Jamaica’s Court of Appeal. However, her tenure as prosecutor is facing uncertainty following a ruling by the Full Court of the Supreme Court, which deemed the government’s amendment of the Constitution extending her tenure unconstitutional.
The court declared the amendment allowing Llewellyn to remain in office after 60 unlawful. While interpretations of the ruling varied, the Attorney General’s Chambers expressed intent to appeal. Amidst this, Llewellyn advised she couldn’t carry out her duties due to ambiguity in the judgment, prompting the Public Service Commission to appoint an acting DPP. The ruling sparked discussions on governance and legal procedures, with contrasting views on Llewellyn’s continuation in office and the implications for ongoing cases. Social media reactions ranged from support for Llewellyn to calls for her resignation amidst perceived constitutional crisis.
Despite the UK’s Privy Council overturning Kartel’s murder conviction due to jury tampering, Llewellyn asserts her decision is based solely on legal obligation, not emotion or speculation on the verdict. The original trial, marked by issues such as the admissibility of telecommunications evidence and controversial handling of jury tampering allegations, lasted 65 days. Kartel, expressing confidence in his innocence, sees the Privy Council’s decision as a triumph for justice and awaits the Court of Appeal’s ruling.
