Activists raise concern about Imam Jamil-Al Amin’s health

By M. Ayub Khan

Civil rights groups and supporters of Imam Jamil-Al Amin are raising concerns about his deteriorating health and have called on the authorities to attend to his medical needs immediately. A note released to the public by the Muslim Alliance in North America states that Imam Jamil has several dental and medical issues and should be promptly seen by a physician. He was once a leading figure of the Black Panthers and Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. He accepted Islam in 1971 in pirson  and became a stalwart Muslim leader and community leader

Imam Jamil is currently in jail after being found guilty of shooting at two deputies who had come to serve him a sub-subpoena. One of them died. His supporters contest the official version of the events leading up to the shootings.

Since 2007 he has been incarcerated in a supermax prison in Florida.

“His jaws were still swollen from an obvious abscess or two which they had witnessed on their previous visit in October 2013! He waited 10 months to see a dentist, and after seeing one the condition worsened. He now has been waiting an additional five months since submitting another dental request and has not received any care,” said El-Hajj Mauri’ Saalakhan of the Peace And Justice Foundation in an e-mail.

The Peace And Justice Foundation and the Jericho Coalition are calling for writing letters of concern to Charles E. Samuels, director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Those who wish to respond to this latest injustice can also call Mr. Samuels to express their concern about the imam’s unanswered request for urgently needed medical care. Call Mr. Samuels at (202) 307-3198.

“Supporters have also suggested calling Governor Nathan Deal to request that Imam Jamil be transferred back to Georgia. Given Imam Jamil’s age and declining health, placement at the Federal Medical Center in Butner (North Carolina) may address his condition. Governor Deal’s number is (404) 656-1776,” added the Peace and Justice Foundation.

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