Islamic Human Rights Commission

URGENT ALERT

8 January 2002

JURY SELECTION FOR IMAM JAMIL ABDULLAH AL-AMIN’S TRIAL HAS BEGUN

The jury selection for Imam Jamil who is facing the death penalty after being charged with 13 counts of murder and felony murder over the killing and fatal wounding of two deputies in March 2000, began yesterday. The original date for the jury selection was 12 September 2001, but a continuance was granted following the terrorist attacks on September 11.

Although the judge presiding over the trial has stated steps are being taken to ensure a fair trial, obvious doubts exist as to whether Imam Jamil will be able to receive this given the nature of anti-Muslim sentiment in America over the past few months.

Over the next few weeks a lengthy process by elimination will begin to find 12 jurors from a potential 1,500.

IHRC are supporting the campaign to free Imam Jamil. (See also www.imamjamil.com). Letters of support to Imam Jamil can be sent to:

Imam Jamil

P O Box 115363

Atlanta, Georgia

30310

USA

Please also contact the following and urge an unbiased jury is chosen which will allow Imam Jamil to be tried on factual evidence rather than swayed opinions. A specimen letter follows on the next page.

Judge Stephanie B Manis

Fulton County Superior Court

136 Pryor Street SW

3rd Floor

Atlanta, Georgia

30302

Ambassador William S Farish

American Embassy

24 Grosvenor Square

London

W1A 1AE

Tel: 020 7499 9000

or the American Ambassador in your country (please ocntact IHRC if you need their contact details)

Specimen Letter

Date

Dear

I am writing with regards to the forthcoming trial of Imam Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin. As you are aware Imam Jamil faces the death penalty after being charged with killing deputy Ricky Kinchen and wounding deputy Aldranon English in March 2000.

There have always been serious doubts in the evidence used to charge Imam Jamil. (Some points which can be raised in the letter to Ambassadors include):

Deputy English stated he shot Imam Jamil, but no signs of injury were found on Imam Jamil when he was examined.

The trail of blood which was to have emanated from Imam Jamil after being shot, leading from the scene of the shootings to a nearby empty house has now disappeared altogether.

The warrant later used to search Imam Jamil’s premises was found to be obtained using “common knowledge around the office that blood had been found”.

Deputy English stated the assailant’s eyes were grey, whereas it is a well known fact that Imam Jamil’s eyes are brown.

The two deputies’ patrol car which was hit by bullets from the shootings was later repaired and could therefore not be used by the defence.

Attempting to ensure a fair trial for Imam Jamil due to the nature of the case and the immense media attention was already a problem. However since September 11 2001, this need is even greater considering the disturbing increase in hate attacks on Muslims in America. The media portrayal of Muslims has also been extremely negative. I therefore urge you to ensure that the jury selection is unbiased and Imam Jamil is tried fairly according to the facts of the case.

I look forward to hearing from you confirming the requests that have been made will be followed.

Yours sincerely

Name[END]