Washington: The Council on American Islamic Relations and its Georgia chapter expressed condolences after the passing of Imam Jamil Al Amin, a civil rights leader who spent 23 years in prison for a crime he denied committing. The groups urged the Fulton County District Attorney to vacate his conviction and close a case that has raised concerns about due process and accountability.
Imam Al Amin, earlier known as H. Rap Brown, died in federal custody after a long struggle with cancer. CAIR stated that prison authorities failed to provide proper medical treatment despite repeated warnings from rights advocates. His family and supporters said his illness worsened without timely intervention.
He was convicted in 2002 for the killing of a Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy and injury of another deputy. His supporters disputed the verdict for years. Federal inmate Otis Jackson later confessed under oath to carrying out the shooting. The District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit interviewed Jackson and reviewed earlier records, although it has not recommended overturning the conviction.
Before his imprisonment, Imam Al Amin played an active role in the Civil Rights Movement through the Student Non Violent Coordinating Committee. After embracing Islam, he served the West End community in Atlanta and encouraged many African Americans to engage with Islamic learning. Community members credit him with reducing crime and promoting social order in the neighborhood.
He was later moved from state to federal custody in a transfer that rights groups described as unusual. Advocates said the transfer occurred after inmates in Georgia prisons began to embrace Islam through his influence.
CAIR leaders said the case must be reopened and his name cleared.
