Vybz Kartel

The verdict is out! Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has lost his appeal against his murder conviction.

After a near two-year wait, the Court of Appeal on Friday handed down a judgment affirming the murder conviction of the popular entertainer and his co-accused.

Yesterday it was announced that a verdict would finally be delivered after several months of deliberation. Prior to the decision, his legal team had expressed great confidence that the conviction would be overturned.

One of Kartel’s senior attorneys, Valerie Neita – Robertson, took to Twitter on Thursday beaming with confidence.

“I only ask one favor, tomorrow please celebrate atleast 3 FT apart in your homes along with Other #covid-19 Stipulations. Dont come on the streets #TanAhYuhYaad,” she declared.

Following the verdict, thousands of Dancehall fans immediately flocked to social media to voice their reaction.

Earlier this week Vybz Kartel expressed that he was “100 per cent sure” he would be freed. The entertainer made the declaration through his protege Sikka Rymes in an interview with THE STAR.

“I feel very upbeat about the case. Weak evidence, fabricated evidence and prosecutorial misconduct aside, there is absolutely nothing to worry about in law. I’m 100 per cent sure I should be set free. Legally, there is very little to be concerned about. But put the ‘Kartel factor’ in the mix and everything gets complicated,” Kartel stated.

The deejay even expressed plans of a new musical direction should he be freed.

“Anything I’m doing, it won’t be from here. Mi a try mi luck elsewhere and, in any event, weh else is there to do? Stan up inna dance an fight fi space wid upcoming artiste?” he questioned. “No! What is life without growth? Man affi branch out and lef space fi di youth dem. Plus a full time now Babylon find another scapegoat. Mek dem find smaddy else blame! Mi gone.”

In 2014 Vybz Kartel was convicted for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. He was convicted along with Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John.