Prosecutors Stand by Former Militant's Conviction

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Georgia prosecutors are defending the 2000 murder conviction of a former Black Panther leader known as H. Rap Brown, stating that new DNA evidence still strongly points to his guilt in the shooting of two sheriff's deputies. However, they have criticized the conduct of the judge who presided over the case when he was previously a prosecutor.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing debates around criminal justice reform, the role of DNA evidence, and concerns about potential misconduct by prosecutors and judges, especially in high-profile cases involving civil rights activists.

The details

Prosecutors say the new DNA evidence does not exonerate H. Rap Brown, whose real name is Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, of the 2000 murder of two sheriff's deputies in Georgia. However, they have criticized the conduct of the judge who presided over the case, Hal Hinesley, when he was previously a prosecutor involved in the initial investigation.

• H. Rap Brown, also known as Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, was convicted of murder in 2000.
• The new DNA evidence was recently uncovered and reviewed by prosecutors.

What they’re saying