The two men long thought to be responsible for the assassination of Malcolm X are expected be exonerated on Thursday, according to attorneys for Manhattan. James R. Sanders reports
Over the last two years, Malcolm X has become a major topic and subject of some of the latest art from fashion, film, and music; this includes: “Godfather of Harlem,” films such as “One Night in Miami,” and two Netflix specials — one having to do with his relationship with Muhammad Ali — “Blood Brothers,” and the most controversial of all, “Who Killed Malcolm X?” a docu-series said to have been the light that ignited interest in reopening the murder case of one of the most prolific activists and revolutionaries of all time.
Lawyers for the two men, Muhammad A. Aziz and Khalil Islam announced that their convictions would be thrown out — 56 years after the assassination and court case. Both spent over 20 years in prison.
In a statement to the press, Aziz said, “I do not need this court, these prosecutors or a piece of paper to tell me I am innocent.”
Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative said, “It’s long overdue,” adding, “This is one of the most prominent figures of the 20th century who commanded enormous attention and respect. And yet, our system failed.”
For 43 pages, the motion had the attorneys go over major evidence that was left out originally and could have exonerated the accused at the start of the initial trial. The motion was led by Manhattan district attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr.
Aziz had an alibi that hadn’t been verified on record, until a new interview with a key witness surfaced in which his location was validated. The witness, known in the motion as J.M. is referenced: “… recalled receiving a phone call from Aziz at around 3:00 p.m. on February 21st, informing him that Aziz had just heard Malcolm X had been shot.”
Most notably, the motion exposes several documents that the FBI and New York Police Department withheld from the defense during the original trial — documents that, the motion suggests, would have almost surely exonerated the men.
Read the motion here.
“Who Killed Malcolm X,” still available for streaming on Netflix, delved deeply into the assassination, along with the events leading up to the slain revolutionary’s murder. It suggests that the real killer died a free and never-convicted man.
Whether Aziz and Islam will seek monetary restitution is unknown at this time.