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.