Death of One of America’s Longest-Serving Political Prisoners
The English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), reported that CAIR expressed condolences on the death of Imam Jamil Al-Amin, a prominent figure in the Muslim civil rights movement, following his 23 years in prison.
CAIR also reiterated its call for Fulton County Prosecutor’s Review unit to complete its examination of Imam Jamil Al-Amin’s wrongful conviction case and to clear him of all charges.
The civil rights organization condemned the Federal Bureau of prisons for neglecting Imam Al-Amin’s cancer condition. It noted that repeated warnings about his deteriorating health were disregarded by prison officials.
Despite Otis Jackson confessing to killing Fulton County deputy sheriff, Imam Jamil Al-Amin remained imprisoned on charges related to this murder.
During the civil rights era, Imam Jamil served as a leader for the student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. after converting to Islam and becoming an imam, he played a key role in guiding Atlanta’s West End African-American community against drug abuse and crime.
Nihad Awad, Executive Director of CAIR, stated upon Imam Jamil Al-Amin’s passing: “He was a hero of the civil rights movement and a victim of injustice. He died in prison despite committing no crime. We urge the U.S. justice system to reopen his case and exonerate him.”
