The decision, taken during Donald Trump’s Presidency, comes amid growing demands for the release of additional sensitive records, including those linked to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The newly available files include reports gathered by the FBI in the aftermath of King’s killing, along with documents detailing the surveillance carried out on him during the Cold War. Among the revelations are records of wiretaps placed on King’s telephone, part of a now widely discredited attempt by the authorities at the time to link him to communist movements.

The disclosure has drawn criticism from King’s surviving children, who have voiced concern that some of the material could be misinterpreted or deliberately used to undermine their father’s reputation.

While some rights groups have welcomed the release as a step towards historical clarity, others have raised questions about the timing, noting that the move coincides with continued public calls for more transparency over Epstein’s connections and alleged abuses.

The release has also reignited scrutiny of the FBI’s treatment of civil rights figures during a period when state surveillance was routinely used against activists, raising fresh debate about the lasting impact of these actions on King’s legacy.

--ChannelAfrica--