Supporters and organizers are coming together for a National Day of Action for political prisoner Imam Jamil Al- Amin Friday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. at 84 Clinton Place in Newark.
The event will feature a community teach-in with Baba Zayid Muhammad, who will give an update on Al-Amin. On Saturday, the Brotherhood S.T.E.P. will share political education about Al-Amin.
A rally is also being held for Al-Amin at The Harlem State Office Building Plaza Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The keynote presentation will be given by Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood along with guest commentary by former political prisoner Sekou Odinga and others.
As chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the 1960s, Al-Amin served as a minister of justice. He is currently serving a life sentence without parole at a high security federal facility in Tucson, Ariz., for murder after the 2000 shooting of two Fulton County Sheriff’s deputies. One deputy, Ricky Kinchen, died in the shooting.
Supporters believe that Al-Amin was wrongfully accused of murder, citing that none of the conflicting descriptions of the assailant on the scene matched him. During his sentencing, 20 civic, academic and religious leaders spoke as character witnesses on his behalf.
In recent years, Al-Amin has suffered from health issues. In 2014, bone marrow biopsy results revealed the presence of myeloma cells, requiring him to be monitored and tested every two to three months to determine if his condition has advanced to the full multiple myeloma stage.
In August, it was announced Al-Amin had Sjogren’s Syndrome and suffers severe pain, swollen jaws and other symptoms, including swollen ankles, skin discoloration, dry eyes and dry mouth. Advocates feel his medical condition should allow for his freedom.
Go to imamjamilactionnetwork.weebly.com for more information about Al-Amin and the day of action.