A former Black Panther released from prison after spending almost nearly fifty years behind bars is on the verge of being re-arrested and sent back to jail following a petition by the chairman of a local republican party.

Jalil Muntaqim, also known as Anthony Bottom, a member of the black Liberation Army, considered a political prisoner was imprisoned in 1971 at the age of 19 for killing two Harlem police officers during civil rights struggle of the 1960s and 1970s. 

Muntaqim was released on October 7 after a New York parole board judged he met the criteria for discretionary release due to what his supporters say was his exemplary prison record. He went on to register to vote in

Monroe county district republican chairman, Bill Napier alleged that Muntaqim violated the terms of his parole by registering to vote at the county’s board of elections and should be returned to prison.

A charge Muntaqim supporters said no one in the state of NY has ever been arrested or indicted: “This attempt to re-incarcerate an elder recently recovering from Covid-19 does not work in the interest or justice, public health, or public safety.”

They added: “These charges are politically-motivated, senseless and a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

They have also launched a campaign Freethelandmxgm to keep him a free man, sign here to join the petition.