Jalil Muntaqim, recently paroled after 49 years, was arrested Friday and is facing re-imprisonment for completing a voter registration form

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Community sign on letter is here – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW2zfSqUm28Xk7BbUi2gicD-YwAcbwfvI3vG3ToOdyiYeXDw/viewform?usp=embed_facebook 

Please sign the Support for Jalil Muntaqim Petition immediately: 

STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR JALIL MUNTAQIM

We the undersigned fully support the New York State Parole Board’s decision to release Jalil Muntaqim. The parole process is meant to evaluate a person for release based on who they are today, not to extend one’s sentence into perpetuity.

Mr. Muntaqim has been incarcerated since 1971, when he was 19 years old. During his 49 years in prison, Mr. Muntaqim has led education and mentorship programs for prisoners, earned several educational degrees and mentored many younger incarcerated men. He has been commended for preventing prisoner violence and promoting safety.

As a result, hundreds of organizations and individuals have stepped forward to support his release including community and faith leaders, family members, and the NY State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. The Parole Board finally acted honorably in following the guidelines put forth by New York State Executive Law 259-(i). A 2011, bi-partisan amendment to the law passed by Republican and Democratic lawmakers makes it clear that an individual’s readiness for successful re-entry should take priority in the decision to grant release.

Upon his release, Mr. Muntaqim was warmly welcomed by a large, diverse set of community leaders and residents of Rochester, New York. Now, the Rochester District Attorney is attempting to reincarcerate an elder recovering from COVID-19.

We are statewide and national organizations, community and faith leaders, elected officials, civil rights organizations, public defenders, and residents of the Rochester area. We pledge our continuing support for Mr. Muntaqim and our assistance in facilitating his reintegration into society. We vehemently oppose any efforts to remove him from our community and/or place him back in prison.

This petition is sponsored by the Movement for Black Lives.

Source: San Francisco Bay View