The calls for the freeing of the falsely accused Mumia Abu-Jamal are once again gaining traction.
On Mumia Abu-Jamal’s 67th birthday, thousands of supporters gathered at the north side of City Hall around downtown Philly at 2 p.m. to demand the release of the United States political prisoner who is under medical supervision for diabetic shock, and showing signs of starvation.
Mumia, and revolutionary hero who sided with the famous MOVE organization as well as the Black panthers was put on trial in 1981. A trial riddled with prosecutorial and judicial bias and misconduct, Abu-Jamal was wrongfully accused of the murder of a race soldier and has since served a life sentence trapped in solidary confinement.
According to human rights group Amnesty International, “After many years of monitoring Mumia Abu-Jamal’s case and a thorough study of original documents, including the entire trial transcript, the organization has concluded that the proceedings used to convict and sentence Mumia Abu-Jamal to death were in violation of minimum international standards that govern fair trial procedures and the use of the death penalty. Amnesty International, therefore, believes that the interests of justice would best be served by the granting of a new trial to Mumia Abu-Jamal.”
Evidence suggest Mr. Jamal’s trial was nothing more than a typical white supremacist lynching demonstrated by prosecutorial misconduct, clear racial bias in jury selection, and suppression of exculpatory evidence.
Poor treatment has led to Mumia’s deteriorating health. He is currently reported to have undergone a emergency heart surgery within the last week and is said to be chained to a hospital bed while he’s recovering.
Mumia is being held at Mahonoy State Correctional Institution also known as Mahonoy Death Camp. Mahanoy is a 1,000 cell, 215-acre, mid-level security labor camp located along Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Celebrities have also stepped in, NFL quarterback Collin Kaepernick has also called for Mumia freeing.
In closing the rally, Chicago-based Fred Hampton, Jr, said, “This cannot be for just Mumia’s birthday. Keep the case of Mumia Abu Jamal, Russell Maroon Shoalts, Sundiata Acoli (imprisoned former Black Panthers), our people in general keep them on your minds and hearts and do not let up. Remember the people recognize a revolution,” he said.
–Sylvester Loving, B1Daily
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