Dr. Mutulu Shakur, stepfather of Tupac Shakur, will report in for a parole hearing today to appeal for a release from an Atlanta-area prison.
The elder Shakur was arrested on Feb. 12, 1986 and was subsequently sentenced to 60 years in jail for an alleged conspiracy against the government according to his website.
The feds charge that Dr. Shakur aided in eight incidents where a “clandestine paramilitary unit” attempted to hijack several U.S. Banks. A “political prisoner” to his supporters, Shakur has steadfastly maintained his innocence.
Dr. Shakur was apprehended on charges related to conspiracy to aid bank expropriation, racketeering and aiding in the escape of Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther that fled to Cuba. According to MXGM, the government was unable to present any physical evidence, phone taped conversations, or eyewitnesses to any of the crimes Shakur was convicted of.
The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement of Atlanta issued a statement of support and rallied followers to back Shakur in his bid to be released from prison.
“His efforts in the black community have been essential and liberating,” MXGM said in a statement. Before going to jail, Shakur worked steadfastly in the community and aided in detoxification of illegal drugs.
Shakur explained his identity to AllHipHop.com in a previous interview. “I am a New African Freedom Fighter, Political Prisoner, Healer, Father, Brother, and Son.”
Although Mutulu wasn’t Tupac’s biological father, both openly recognized that they had a father/son relationship.