David Farnor | On 18, Feb 2020

The death of Malcolm X may be reinvestigated after a new Netflix documentary series raised questions about the assassination.

Decades after the African American leader was murdered, the six part series examined his death. Three men were jailed for the killing of the civil rights activist in 1965: Mujahid Abdul Halim, Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Khalil Islam. Although Halim has said he took part in the killing, Aziz and Islam have maintained their innocence.

Netflix’s series, titled Who Killed Malcolm X?, follows historian Abdur-Rahman Muhammad as he questions whether the real perpetrators were caught. Possible theories considered include FBI involvement and white nationalist culprits.

A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said in a statement: “Vance has met with representatives from the Innocence Project and associated counsel regarding this matter.

“He has determined that the district attorney’s office will begin a preliminary review of the matter, which will inform the office regarding what further investigative steps may be undertaken.”

Innocence Project cofounder Barry Scheck also issued a statement: “Given the historical importance of this case and the fact that our client [Aziz] is 81 years old, we are especially encouraged that Mr Vance has assigned two highly respected prosecutors to work on this re-investigation.”

Aziz was released on parole in 1985, Halim was released in 2010 and Islam was released in 1987 before dying in 2009.

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