Remembering Fred Hampton

The
People's Coalition For Justice
&
Humanity
***

Justice For Jalil Muntaquim

Jalil Muntaquim (s/n Anthony Bottom) was arrested in 1971 at the age of nineteen following an armed confrontation between Black Liberation Army members and the San Fransisco police.

He was subsequenmtly framed for the murder of two New York City police officers, and has consequently spent the last thirty two years in prison (for more information on this case click here ). Over the past three decades he has worked as an educator of other inmates and practices organizing and advocacy whenever possible to ensure the most adequate, humane treatment for all people. He has been repeatedly punished for these activities, through physical abuse, formal discipline, and numerous prison transfers. Jalil is presently working to develop a National Prisoners Afrikan Studies Project (NPASP), a new non-profit organization dedicated to educating prisoners. During his imprisonment, Jalil has become a father and a grandfather. He states, "I came to prison an expectant father and will leave prison a grandfather."

TO: Friends and Supporters

FROM: A. Jalil Bottom

Dear Friends and Supporters:

As you know, in July 2004, I will be reappearing before the parole board for release considerations. When I reappear before them, I will have completed 32 years of imprisonment, 27 of those years in New York State serving a 25 to life sentence. In July 2002, I was denied parole for the nature of the crime and criminal history, despite the fact the parole board recognized I had an exemplary prison record. However, under NYS parole guidelines, there are no provisions for release because of good behavior and performance of assignments. Parole release is based solely on the discretion of parole commissioner’s void of any specific criteria requiring my release.

In other words, despite three decades of imprisonment and no egregious rule violations, the parole board has the discretion to deny my release on parole. What is particularly ominous is the fact Governor Pataki has instituted an unwritten mandate that those convicted of violent felony offense(s) must complete 85% of their sentence to be eligible for release. This mandate adheres to the federal “Truth in Sentencing” laws, which provides NYS over $200 million from the government to keep violent felony offenders in prison for longer periods of time.

Due to the political nature of my conviction, NYS parole authorities are hard to persuade I am a suitable candidate parole, and should be released. Additionally, the PBA has lobbied against my release by submitting a petition of 10,000 signatures opposing it; therefore, it is incumbent for my friends and supporters write letters highlighting my achievements.

On the opposite page, please find a sample letter, which can be used to write a letter in support of my release on parole. I further exhort that you make copies of this, and distribute to others requesting they do the same. It would be ideal to inundate the parole authorities with letters of support, urging them to grant my release.

Importantly, all letters written in support of my release should be sent no later than the second of July, if possible, and a copy sent to my attorney:

Ms. Cheryl L. Kates, Esq., Edge of Justice, 121 N. Fitzhugh St., Rochester, New York 14614.

Thank you for your support, together we can win!

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