Mumia Abu Jamal: 40 years unjustly imprisoned
Mobilization for Mumia’s freedom
Press Release:
HAVANA TIMES – Human rights and community activists from throughout the world are organizing online and in-person events to mark the anniversary of the December 9, 1981 unjust arrest of Mumia Abu-Jamal, award-winning Philadelphia journalist, radio personality and former Black Panther. Abu-Jamal was arrested, convicted and unjustly imprisoned as the result of judicial, police and prosecutorial misconduct for allegedly killing a Philadelphia policeman — a crime he didn’t commit. Supporters worldwide assert that Abu-Jamal was framed, is innocent and continue to fight for his release, even after four decades.
On Thursday, December 9, from 7:00PM – 9:30PM (EST), an online “Free Mumia Now!” forum (https://t.co/1eqT4x2F80) will feature Temple University Professor Linn Washington, Jr., former political prisoner Jalil Muntaqim, Warrior Woman Mama Pam Africa, retired International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 10 Secretary Treasurer Clarence Thomas, longtime international supporters Julia Wright and Jacky Hortaut from France, Michael Shiffman from Germany and poet/author Ewuare Osayande. Special panels will feature international and youth activists for Mumia.
At 1:00PM, Saturday, Dec. 11 community activists will gather at the Octavius V. Catto Statue on the south side of Philadelphia City Hall for a “March for Mumia” through Center City featuring speakers.
Similar events are being held in Houston, TX, France, Mexico, Vienna, Austria and Germany.
Many of the judicial, police and prosecutorial misconducts that resulted in Abu-Jamal’s conviction were the same illegal practices that led the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office to exonerate 23 innocent men.
Abu-Jamal’s health has deteriorated significantly over the years. He recently underwent open heart surgery, has had cataract surgery, and suffers from cirrhosis of the liver and a severe skin ailment. Independent doctors maintain he must be given a healthy, fresh diet and a regular exercise regimen which would support his cardiac rehabilitation and speed his recovery. Now 67, Abu-Jamal is one of 6,000 aged and ill incarcerated people who have spent decades in prison, who pose no risk to society and should be released. Prison officials have refused to do this.
Hi sorry he has been in jail for 40 years. this is a long time . why all of a sudden are people talking about this? And if he is innocent, why has no lawyer tried to prove he is innocent. . How do you know the facts that he is innocent? And is he in prison in the USA or Guatanimo in Cuba. As the USA put people there that they don’t want you to know they are there. I saw a true story of a prisoner
who had no charge against him after 7 years some lawyers found out about his case and did it for free. 3 years later going as high as the Supreme Court he was free. He thought. He still ended up in jail in Guetonamo for another 10 years. I don’t know why. J.m.o.
Perhaps not coincidentially, he is also a long-time, fierce critic of US Imperialism and a defender of Cuba.