MUHAMMAD Abdul Aziz made headlines in 1965 following the assassination of Malcolm X.
He was tried and convicted in relation to the crime but paroled in 1985.
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Who is Muhammad Abdul Aziz?
Born in 1938, Aziz, 83, is famously known as one of three men who were found guilty in the assassination of Malcolm X.
For years, Aziz and the late Khalil Islam had professed their innocence but it was not until November 2021 that their names were cleared.
“There can be no question that this is a case that cries out for fundamental justice,” Judge Ellen Biben said at the time during her ruling, according to the New York Post.
“To Mr. Aziz and your family and to the family of Mr. Islam, I regret that this court cannot fully undue the serious miscarriages of justice and give you back the years that were lost.”
During a review of the case, crucial evidence was found that had been hidden at their trial, leading to the judge’s decision.
“While I do not need a court, prosecutors, or a piece of paper to tell me I am innocent, I am glad that my family, my friends and the attorneys who have worked and supported me all these years are finally seeing the truth we have all known officially recognized,” he said following the exoneration.
Where is he now?
Since being exonerated, Aziz has kept a low profile and has stayed out of the spotlight.
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In December 2021, Aziz sued the state of New York for $20million because of his wrongful conviction, according to CNN.
His lawsuit details “physical injuries, emotional and mental distress and other damages he faced after spending 20 years in maximum-security prisons.”
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What is Soul of a Nation Presents: X/onerated – The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice?
For the first time since his exoneration, Aziz and members of his family opened up about his life and the wrongful conviction in a new ABC News special titled, Soul of a Nation Presents: X/onerated – The Murder of Malcolm X and 55 Years to Justice.
“If God is on your side it doesn’t matter who’s against you. God’s on my side,” Aziz told the media outlet.
The special will talk about the trial as well as the trauma of systemic racism which Aziz faced firsthand.
The special premieres on February 3, 2022, and will be available to stream through Hulu and Disney+.
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