A Jamaican court of appeal ordered the release on Wednesday of dancehall star Vybz Kartel, who had been serving a life sentence for a 2011 murder.
The UK-based Privy Council, Jamaica’s top court, tossed out their convictions in March because of juror misconduct.
It asked the Jamaican court of appeal to determine whether a new trial should be held, and a three-judge panel said Wednesday it was not merited.
“We conclude that the interests of justice do not require a new trial,” Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop said on a livestream of the court hearing.
Kartel, who was born Adidja Palmer, is reportedly in poor health.
Also known as “World Boss,” Kartel had been immensely popular in the Caribbean island nation and he collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Jay-Z, Rihanna and Eminem.
He also promoted his own rum line, shoes and a brand of condoms.
His trial was closely watched in Jamaica and there was heavy security around the courthouse in downtown Kingston throughout the proceedings.
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© Agence France-Presse
