'New evidence' in Luther King assassination

MEMPHIS (Reuter) - A lawyer yesterday said he was seeking permission to present new evidence on the assassination of Martin Luther King to a Tennessee grand jury. Wayne Chastain declined to disclose material that could be discussed at a hearing. But he said the case will bring to light new figures involved in the 1968 killing.

'I will provide information concerning the murder of Martin Luther King and involving persons other than James Earl Ray (in prison for the murder),' said Mr Chastain. Ray has maintained his innocence since beginning a 99- year prison term in 1969.

Mr Chastain, who covered the King assassination as a reporter for a Memphis newspaper, is asking for more than five witnesses to be subpoenaed, two of whom want immunity from prosecution before testifying.

A state prosecutor, John Pierotti, said the claim was 'a sham and a fraud upon the public' and the case was not worth pursuing.

Leading article, page 13