Dancehall artist Kiprich, whose real name is Marlon Plunkett, has been exonerated after the prosecution withdrew criminal charges against him in the St. Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday. The case, which had drawn significant attention, was dismissed following concerns raised by the defense regarding the nature of the charges and constitutional issues. Defense attorney Patrick Peterkin expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the prosecution failed to meet the evidentiary threshold required to proceed. Kiprich had been charged under section 18A of the Offences Against the Person Act, which pertains to the use of audio, visual, or audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity. Throughout the legal proceedings, Plunkett steadfastly maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in gang-related activities or incitement of violence. Peterkin highlighted the broader implications of the case, warning that such laws could unjustly burden artists who are merely performing their craft. The charges stemmed from a custom-order dubplate created for a foreign-based selector following the death of Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban, a notorious gang leader. Kiprich’s management team claimed the audio was manipulated to appear more inflammatory than intended. Lobban, a key figure in Jamaica’s criminal underworld, was allegedly involved in shootings, extortion, and gang dominance in various areas before being killed in a shootout with police earlier this year.