Help stop threat to Iman Al-Amin’s health and life

The following is based on releases that the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) issued on June 5. They concern the deteriorating health of long-term political prisoner Imam Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, who  in the 1960s and 1970s, under his name at the time, H. Rap Brown, was a leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) for six years and was briefly in the Black Panther Party.

On June 9, starting at 11:30 a.m., Al-Amin’s supporters plan a 90-minute support rally for Imam Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin in front of the federal Bureau of Prisons headquarters located at 320 First St., NW, Washington, DC 20534.

They plan to raise three concerns with the BOP and its director, Mr. Charles E. Samuels Jr.:

(1) Immediate medical attention for inmate Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin (Reg. No. 99974-555);

(2) His transfer to a different facility where his medical needs are more assured of being met, such as the prison medical facility located  in Butner, North Carolina;

(3) A review of imprisonment policies relevant to the prisoners being housed under extraordinary conditions, such as the Supermax in Florence, Colorado, and the so-called “Controlled Management Units” (CMUs) in different areas of the country.

According to his supporters’ report, “There is a sign of progress but Imam Jamil’s condition is still dire and in need of advocacy. Here is the latest update as of last night:

“1. A dentist finally removed a broken tooth of Imam Jamil at its root and gave him antibiotics, but he still has not seen a physician.

“2. He has not been able to eat and the dentist has agreed that the abscess (one on each side) caused damage, i.e., his inability to breathe and the total shutdown of his body.

“3. He is only able to get out of bed a few times a day, and he has not been strong enough to get any exercise. In fact, he is stating that he is having difficulty walking.

“4. He had an X-ray approximately two weeks ago, but does not know the results.

“5. His feet (top and bottom) are swollen, and that needs to be addressed by a physician.

“6. A medical aide (Nigerian) went by his cell and talked to him through the cell door — a medical examination?

“7. He is aware that some communication from a congressional office was received on his behalf, but he doesn’t know the details.

“8. He has not had recreation since he has been ill, which indicates that the prison is aware of his illness.

“Imam Jamil is over 70 years old and needs emergency medical care without delay, in accordance with federal prison standards. His life is at risk.”

People are asked to call the following officials immediately:

Charles E. Samuels Jr., director of BOP (202-307-3198; 202-307-3250, direct);

Lisa Gregory, director of Health Services, North Central Region (913-621-3939).

It is suggested you tell them you are calling re Jamil Al-Amin, Registration Number 99974-555, and that if they ask for your affiliation to the Imam, you say “brother” or “sister.”