Georgia prosecutors defend Al-Amin’s 2000 murder conviction despite misconduct by original prosecutor and FBI agent, citing DNA evidence.

Georgia prosecutors are defending the 2000 murder conviction of Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, a former Black Panther leader, despite acknowledging serious misconduct by the original prosecutor, Robert McBurney, now a Fulton County judge. They maintain that DNA on a belt found with one of the guns used in the shooting of two sheriff’s deputies supports Al-Amin’s guilt, though new scrutiny has highlighted McBurney’s alleged misrepresentations, withholding of evidence, and inflammatory remarks during trial. Prosecutors also raised concerns about FBI agent James Campbell’s conduct, including allegations of physical abuse and evidence planting, though the jury was barred from hearing about Campbell’s prior misconduct. While the state says the conviction remains valid, it does not oppose a hearing to review the case, acknowledging the trial’s flaws have damaged public confidence in justice. Al-Amin’s family continues to seek exoneration.