JahDore seeks justice, apology after 7-year case ends in acquittal

KINGSTON, Jamaica —Jamaican reggae artiste and Rastafari advocate JahDore, whose given name is Sean McDonald, is calling for justice, accountability and a public apology following his acquittal on October 23, bringing an end to more than seven years of criminal proceedings stemming from an April 30, 2019 police incident involving his family.

JahDore was found not guilty of assault, obstructing the police and malicious destruction of property. Earlier charges concerning his children's school attendance were dismissed in 2021.

"For seven years, I stood before the courts defending my name, my family and my dignity. Today, I stand vindicated by the court's decision. But an acquittal does not erase what my family and I endured. Justice must go beyond the courtroom," he said.

JahDore is now calling upon the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to publicly address the circumstances surrounding the incident and issue an apology.

He is also requesting that the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) provide clarity on any investigation, findings and accountability measures within its lawful mandate.

He believes his experience raises serious concerns about police conduct, religious freedom, discrimination and the treatment of Rastafarian families in Jamaica.

The artiste is also requesting an audience with Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen. Through this meeting, JahDore hopes to present the circumstances surrounding his seven-year legal ordeal, the impact on his Rastafari family, and his concerns regarding religious freedom, human rights and institutional accountability.

He is respectfully requesting that the governor-general consider bringing these matters to the attention of His Majesty King Charles III through the appropriate constitutional and diplomatic channels.

JahDore believes that such engagement would provide an important opportunity to address the historical relationship between the Crown and the Rastafarian community, while encouraging meaningful dialogue about justice, dignity and the protection of fundamental rights.

"For more than seven years, I faced criminal charges brought in the name of the Crown. Now that the courts have cleared my name, I respectfully seek an audience with the governor-general, as His Majesty's representative in Jamaica, so that my experience and the concerns of my family and the wider Rastafarian community may be brought to the attention of King Charles III. This is not about confrontation. It is about truth, recognition, justice and meaningful dialogue. I believe the time has come for these matters to be addressed with the seriousness and dignity they deserve," he said.

Beyond the courtroom, JahDore is preparing to revive his long-awaited musical project, Free, completed in 2018 and originally intended for release in 2019. He said the events surrounding the case disrupted his planned release and career development.

“The forthcoming project represents more than a musical comeback.

JahDore said he intends to pursue appropriate legal avenues for redress while inviting human-rights organisations, Rastafari representatives, government authorities and international media to engage in a constructive conversation about justice and accountability.

"This is bigger than JahDore. It is about protecting the dignity and rights of every family, every Rastafari and every citizen. Justice must not only be done — it must be seen to be done,” he said.