Jalil Muntaqim Denied Parole Once Again

Update on Black Liberation political prisoner Jalil Muntaqim.

Today we learned that great-grandfather and beloved elder Jalil Muntaqim (Anthony Bottom) has been denied parole by the New York State Board of Parole. Jalil was convicted of the 1971 murders of two New York City police officers, a crime for which he accepted responsibility and demonstrated remorse.

During his 47 years in prison, Jalil earned two college degrees and served as a counselor, teacher and role model for other incarcerated people. Jalil is a rehabilitated individual who poses no risk to the community. He will be appealing this very disappointing decision. Jalil would like to thank his friends and supporters; he is ever-grateful that you have all stood by him.

Jalil will be challenging the denial of parole through the administrative appeals process and potentially in the courts. Given the controversy and media attention generated by his case, we ask that you PLEASE DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT JALIL’S PAROLE DENIAL except using the approved language above. Further, please DO NOT SPEAK TO THE MEDIA about Jalil, his case, or his parole denial without consulting his media support team first. Please be aware of the media bias against Jalil and in favor of the police as well as the risk that statements made by Jalil’s supporters could adversely affect his parole bid.

Any questions or media inquiries should be directed to Nora Carroll at [email protected] or 917-557-0797.

Write to Jalil:

Anthony Jalil Bottom #77A4283
Sullivan C.F., P.O. Box 116, Fallsburg, NY 12733-0116

Message from Jalil on Parole Denial:

December 18, 2018 – Dear Friends & Supporters: As many of you have heard, I was once again denied parole for the tenth time. I was given a 15-month denial, essentially because I did not answer a specific question to the satisfaction of the parole commissioners, despite the fact that my answer was an honest one. This definitively speaks to the arbitrariness and subjectivity of parole commissioners’ discretion to decide to release or hold a prisoner. In the same regard, it is difficult to know exactly what each of the three parole commissioners want from a prisoner sitting before them, especially when honesty is a rare quality in this type of situation.

I am extremely grateful for all of the letters, well wishes and support. This denial will be appealed.

Yours in struggle,
Jalil