DancehallMag
×
News

Vybz Kartel Calls On Fans To Stay Strong As The Gaza Nation Expresses Outrage At Appeal Denial

By
vybz-kartel-beyond-the-pale
Vybz Kartel

Fans in the Dancehall world collectively breathed a sigh of disappointment yesterday after it was revealed that Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer would not be a free man.

After waiting almost 20 months for a decision on his appeal to have his murder charge overturned, the Jamaican Appeal Court denied his petition.

Kartel will have to continue to serve his sentence for the 2011 killing of his associate, Clive ‘Lizard Williams. His attorney, Tom Tavares-Finson, has already said that he will be taking the matter all the way to the United Kingdom Privy Council.

The Appeal Court also hinted that they may consider a reduced sentence, according to another attorney.

Kartel’s official Instagram page had the following post, confirming that the case will be taken to the Privy Council. He also encouraged his fans to stay strong.

“#GAZANATION don’t get weary! Guess it’s time for a trip….you coming?! ✈️🇬🇧#boastyslaves #corruptionprosecutor & #crossespolice deleted! Loading #truejustice #privycouncil #uk🇬🇧,” he said in the caption of the new deleted post.

One Gaza fan chastised the justice system in reply: “Corrupt and dirty system…smh… They should have at least tried to take shame out of their eyes….. smh. Now true justice will prevail and they’re slackness and prejudice and injustice will be broadcasted worldwide by the high court in England for the world and dem mada fi see. Mi vex but man stand strong #2020vision nothing nuh change. #Gaza,” and another added: “Anywhere u go we follow! Ready 💪 #gazanation💪.”

Several Dancehall artistes also took to social media to express their disappointment with the decision and offer their support.

Sikka Rymes, often called the VP of the Gaza Empire, posted on his Instagram page, after the decision was handed down.

He said: “GazaNation Member We Nuh rule by Emotion!! 1 Gaza 1 President 1 Vice President #Freedom Street Soon #WulltOut.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-hw-m8D-62/

One of his closest friends in Dancehall, Spice posted a picture of the Worl’ Boss and said: “Freedom is a must @vybzkartel Nuh worry Uself mi Don #Gazanation Forever #History day haffie come one day #FreeVybzKartel.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ho7V1Hhd-/

Popcaan had a simple message to share and over 100 000 fans agreed with it. He said: “stay up G pray up freedom cry family fi life a swear.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-hftzLlWQp/

His case also seemed to touch international artistes as popular rapper Meek Mill tweeted: “FREE VYBZ KARTEL!!!” which incited a chorus of Free World Boss replies.

The Gaza Nation did not hold back on Twitter with many placing blame squarely on Kartel’s lawyers.

One fan tweeted: “Don’t nobody talk to me for the rest of the year ! Loudly crying faceLoudly crying faceWeary face Fxxx Ms. Rona. Jamaica and dem “Justice system” . Di way mi bex right now Pouting facePouting face #KartelJudgement #Kartel.”

Another upset fan added: “No body, no solid evidence and big Queen Council, yet dem nuh free kartel. System a pree him from long time but the fight muss continue🙏🏾 #FreeKartel.”

One fan encouraged Kartel’s lawyer to take the matter as far as it could possibly reach. That fan said: “NO ONE SAW KARTEL KILL LIZARD THE MAN RAN AND CAME BACK AND THOUGHT HE SAW LIZARD DEAD LOL ‘THE CELLPHONE’ WAS PLACED IN A POLICEMAN’S LOCKER AND WAS MORE LIKELY TAMPERED LOOOOL SEND IT GUH AH UK PRIVY COUNCIL #FreeKartel.”

Even though many are disappointed it seems his Senior Counsel Valerie Neita Robertson expected the decision because of the amount of attention that case has received.

“The public pressure is such that there is a lot of negatives for Vybz Kartel from certain persons and areas of the society, so I expected it,” she said after the decision.

She added that she believes he was not given a fair trial.

valerie
Valerie Neita-Robertson

Neita Robinson said that she is very confident that Kartel’s sentence will be reduced. The court has given his lawyers seven days to submit information to support their claim that the sentences were excessive.

“I would say that they have already agreed it should be reduced,” Neita Robertson said.