The Appellate Court of Maryland reinstated the murder conviction of Adnan Syed on Tuesday, citing the right of the victim's family to attend a hearing deciding whether to vacate Syed’s conviction. The decision overturned Judge Melissa Phinn’s ruling, which vacated Syed’s conviction in September 2022 as a result of the mishandling of evidence and the possible wrongful clearing of two suspects. The appellate panel found that requiring the victim's brother, Young Lee, to attend the hearing via Zoom, violated Maryland laws protecting crime victims. The panel granted Lee's request for a new hearing where he is given adequate notice of the proceedings and the opportunity to appear in person. In response, Lee’s attorney David Sanford praised the decision and called for a transparent hearing.

Syed's prolonged legal saga sparked intense interest after the true-crime podcast "Serial" questioned the fairness of his trial and raised concerns about the thoroughness of his legal representation. It is unclear whether Syed will have to return to prison while awaiting the new hearing. Syed can appeal the decision to the Maryland Supreme Court.