The Jamaican Court of Appeal has announced it will deliver its judgment on whether entertainer Vybz Kartel should face a retrial for murder by July 31.
The decision follows extensive legal arguments presented by both the defense and the prosecution.
“The question of a retrial is never easy for a court of law, especially when [it involves] serious offenses and lengthy delays. It’s gonna take us time but the court is mindful of the need for expedition in this matter,” said lead judge Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop.
“The court’s judgment is reserved. Given the importance of the case, even if we reach a decision, we cannot come back to just give our decision without our reasons for the decision. And, that is where the delay usually comes from. But, we’re mindful of all the issues and especially the health issue of one of the appellants. So, we’ll do our best and we can say we aim for no later than the end of the term.”
Closing arguments heard
On Tuesday, the defense and the prosecution presented their closing arguments.
Defense attorney Isat Buchanan argued that an acquittal is the only appropriate response to prevent further constitutional breaches against Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused. He contended that the prosecution has not shown how they will mitigate these breaches, stating, “The uncertainty of sustaining or continuing the breach elevates the breach.”
On the other hand, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson asserted that Vybz Kartel and his co-accused should not evade justice due to a technicality. Thompson argued that given the seriousness of the offense, the strength of the case, the public interest, and the availability of witnesses, a retrial is justified. She maintained that the ordeal suffered by the accused is not a sufficient reason to avoid a retrial.
The hearing, which began on June 10, saw Justices David Fraser and Paulette Williams presiding alongside McDonald-Bishop.
Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, along with his co-accused Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, are charged with the 2011 murder of Clive Williams. The men were convicted in 2014, and the verdicts were upheld by the Jamaican Court of Appeal in 2020.
However, in March 2024, the Privy Council, the country’s highest court, overturned the convictions on the grounds of juror misconduct and referred the case back to the appeal court to decide on a retrial.
The accused have consistently denied any involvement in Williams’ murder.
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