From: "C. Clark Kissinger" <cck1@earthlink.net>
Summary of Mumia’s Current Legal Situation (September 1999)
by C. Clark Kissinger
Because many people have requested an explanation of Mumia’s legal
situation, let me explain con-cisely why Mumia’s case is at a critical point
as we go into the September Mumia Awareness Week.
All appeals by Mumia Abu-Jamal in the Pennsylvania court system have been
denied, and he is about to begin his appeals in the federal courts. Under
the restrictive terms of the Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Mumia must
file his petition for a writ of habeas corpus before the end of Octo-ber,
1999. “Habeas corpus” is simply the technical legal term for asking the
federal courts to review whether Mumia has been sentenced legally by the
state courts.
This is a most critical moment in the whole appeals process. At the
beginning of October, a federal district judge in Philadelphia will be asked
to hold a hearing on Mumia’s petition. If he agrees, this hearing will be
Mumia’s LAST opportunity to present the evidence and witnesses denied by the
Pennsylvania court system. After the federal district court, higher appeals
courts will only review tran-scripts -- they will not hear new evidence.
The federal judge who gets this case is not required to grant a hearing. He
could simply read the trial transcripts and issue a ruling. In fact, the
1996 federal law is specifically designed to discourage fed-eral courts from
reviewing and overturning death sentences handed down in the state courts.
This is why public action for Mumia in September is so important -- the
government has to hear a loud popu-lar demand for a new trial for Mumia.
Although the state court action is finished, the governor of Pennsylvania
has not yet signed a new death warrant. If he does sign a death warrant, the
federal district court will issue a stay, preventing an execution (until the
federal district court rules). But until the federal court issues a stay,
Mumia would be put under the horrible new conditions of a “death watch.”
Earlier this year, Mumia’s legal team also petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court
for a “writ of certiorari.” This is a request to the Supreme Court to look
at the case before it works its way up through the nor-mal federal appeals
process. Sometimes the Supreme Court will do this, when an important legal
question is presented. In Mumia’s case, the Supreme Court is being asked to
consider whether it was constitutional to deny him the right to act as his
own attorney and to bar him from the court room when he protested this
denial. Most petitions for “cert” are denied by the Supreme Court. The court
prefers to allow cases to work their way up through the normal appeals
process.
If the judge at the federal district court level rules against him, Mumia
will then appeal to the federal 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. But if the
judge rules in favor of Mumia, the state of Pennsylvania is sure to appeal
to the 3rd Circuit Court. So there will be two rounds of federal court
action in Philadelphia over the next year (the district court and the
circuit court of appeals).
In general, action in the federal courts will go much faster than it did in
the state courts. Thus we are now entering the final phase of the battle to
save Mumia’s life. This is why we must proceed with a greater sense of
urgency and determination.
For more details, see my longer article “What’s Next in the Courts for
Mumia,” which can be found in the Mumia Resource Book or on the Refuse &
Resist! web site at:
http://mojo.calyx.net/~refuse/mumia/011699whatsnext.html
==========================================>
FOP CORNERED ... LIKE ROACHES EXPOSED IN THE LIGHT OF DAY
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
From: "Taylor, Professor Mark" <mark.taylor@ptsem.edu>
OPEN LETTER TO THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE FROM
MARK TAYLOR OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
_________________________________________________________
TO: Timothy M. Richardson
Legislative Assistant
Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police
Dear Mr. Richardson,
I wrote to you last week for help in finding the list, which the
Fraternal Order of Police maintains on its website, of supporters of
Mumia Abu-Jamal, because I thought perhaps I might be on it. With your
response to me this week, this is now confirmed. This letter will be
short, because I and many teacher colleagues am in the midst of the starting
Fall classes at Princeton, where I teach Christian ministry and theology (as
an ordained member of the Presbyterian Church, USA) and religious and
cultural studies.
I object, of course, to the list being named "Supporters of Daniel
Faulkner's Killer." I believe we best honor Officer Faulkner and all
slain officers by being absolutely convinced about the identity of the
killer. I, along with 500 to 600 other professors in colleges and
universities across this country, believe that the conditions of the
first and only trial, the Post Conviction Relief Hearings and the appeals
process were flawed and skewed by the context of racist-adversarial
politics in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. At the very least, he
deserves a new trial. Many of us believe he should be released immediately.
I am among them. Even a lawyer writing for AMERICAN LAWYER magazine, who
had little or no sympathy for Mumia's politics, said he was joining the
"Save Mumia Campaign" right away.
Moreover, I find the FOP's compilation of this list to be especially
disturbing in this year of 1999, the same year that AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL singled out the United States as featuring a serious problem
of police use of excessive force ("Police Brutality - A Pattern of Abuse,"
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: RIGHTS FOR ALL, www.rightsfor all-usa.org). So
epidemic is the problem, that this consistently cautious international
rights organization argues that this constitutes a violation by the
government of U.S. citizens' human rights.
Instead of responding positively to this year's Amnesty report, with
corrective actions and a cooperative attitude, the largest police union
in the U.S. is found to be compiling lists of citizens who, in exercise of
their freedom of expression, simply want a new trial for a figure in a
controversial case.
In the process of this list-building, the FOP is arranging itself in
clear opposition to ordinary folk trying to be good citizens. In
addition, the FOP strikes an oppositional stance toward some of the most
distinguished writers, educators, people of conscience of our time
(including several Nobel Laureates). This does not look like a police
force ready to respond positively to the Amnesty report, or to the
struggle of all peoples to build a just society.
I suspect that the FOP is within its rights to organize and express
itself, even as a police union. As long as you are making lists,
therefore, why not add some more names. In the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS
of August 11, 1995, more than 500 faculty members (in Philadelphia and in
Pennsylvania schools of higher education, and throughout the nation)
signed and financed an ad calling for a stay of execution, a new trial
for Mumia, and (at that time) the recusal of Judge Albert Sabo from the
case. All signers contributed money to the ad, and thus meet the Union's
criterion (i.e. financial aid to Abu-Jamal) for being a person or group
subject to "boycott" and listing.
Many of us are working for, and dreaming of, a more positive working
relationship between police and all our communities. We share this
work and dream with some police officers. Recall, that the National
Association of Black Police Officers is also on record as opposed to
Mumia's execution, and has called for a new trial.
Actually, I believe that the FOP's legitimate interests, and those
of all citizens, are better served by stopping the exercise in
list-building. When groups like the police, who have socially
sanctioned powers to use force, compile such lists of citizens, many
will feel this to be more than just your freedom of expression. It will
seem like an act of intimidation. Our society is not well served by a
police force that works by intimidation, either direct forms as in police
brutality, or indirect forms like police listing.
In search of a better future,
Mark Taylor, Professor of Theology and Culture
Princeton Theological Seminary
Coordinator, Academics for Mumia Abu-Jamal
===============================>
The FOP has been busy online, here is one of their more
ludicrous responses to an e-mail they received. They are
most definitely feeling the people's pressure! KEEP IT ON!
-------------------------------------------
> Thanks for the input.
>
> First, we have compiled our information from three years worth of
> research. We have read, several times over, the entire set of
> transcripts. All 10,000 pages. We have also reviewed all of the
> original witness statements, and we have spent endless hours on the
> internet reading Jamal's supporters arguments. We have read and re-read
> Weinglass' book, we have reviewed several articles written in support of
> Jamal, we have been present at several of Leonard Weinglass' personal
> presentations. We have recorded his radio and TV interviews. We also
> have reviewed, although it angers us so much it's hard to take, the HBO
> docudrama "A Case for Reasonable Doubt" several times. (It's a twisted
> piece of propaganda, pure and simple, and HBO should be exposed for their
> lack of due diligence before allowing it to air. They refused Mrs.
> Faulkner's request to pre screen it for factual accuracy, stating that it
> was a violation of their contract with the producers. Then they pre
> released it to several TV writers, for their review prior to airing it.)
> In short, we have researched this case better than anyone else we have
> ever spoken to. Please, we respectfully encourage anyone who can show us
> where we have gotten something factually wrong, to point out our error.
> Please do so. In the mean time, we disagree with your comments. The real
> facts, not those spewed by Leonard Weinglass and Mumia's blind and
> uninformed supporters, are clear. Mumia is a stone cold killer who won't
> even speak out and tell you, his supporters, what "really" happened. He,
> Weinglass, Pam and Ramona Africa and all the others, are using Mumia to
> get rich. Most of the hundreds of thousands of dollars raised by them,
> more or less from decent well meaning people, has been stolen by them.
> (Check out the Philadelphia Inquirer's 5 part report on this topic that
> they ran back in May) Additionally, Mumia has used the very same system
> he criticizes each day as being corrupt, to extend his life.
>
> As for the FOP boycott. First of all, how many times do we have to tell
> you folks, WE ARE NOT COPS! The FOP is conducting their boycott on their
> own. We fully support it. But we have nothing to do with running it. As
> for condemning them. No way. Just like Mumia, they are exercising THEIR
> RIGHTS. Apparently, the shoe can hurt when it's on the other foot.
> Shouldn't Mumia and his supporters be applauding the FOP, their families
> and their friends for "organizing and taking action against their
> oppressor"? Please don't tell us that cop killers, those who seek to
> make them heroes and those who want to free them, are not oppressors of
> the law enforcement community and their families.
>
> Actually, we sense a bit of hypocrisy here. The FOP is a LABOR UNION.
> Mumia loves labor unions. We thought labor unions were to be supported
> and encouraged, not ridiculed.
>
> Please fill us in on our incorrect facts. We may use your comments to
> update our site, as we have in the past with other comments. Thanks for
> the civil input.
>
>> Reuel Clement wrote:
>>
>> > Where do you guys get all your information from. I have been
>> > following this case for a long time and I have not reached the same
>> > conclusions as you have. I respect your organization, but I think in
>> > this case you are mistaken. Mumia should be a free man. One more
>> > question. How can you as police officers pose a boycott on those who
>> > support Jamal. Shouldn't you be protecting their rights and not
>> > punishing them for excercising them.
>> >
>> > Respectfully yours
>> >
>> > Rob Conner
================================>
MUMIA AWARENESS WEEK IS HERE! DO SUMPIN'!
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING GO TO www.peoplescampaign.org
and/or www.mumia.org and its links!!
---------------------------------
From: Lesegomo@hotmail.com
I am a member of the Black Consciousness Movement in Azania, Azanian
People's Organisation (Azapo). I am currently co-ordinating all Mumia
Abu Jamal Campaign by the Azapo and its structures.
Please let me know if there are any other people in South Africa doing
the same, who are necessarily not members of the Black Consciousnes
Movement, AZAPO.
Our struggle down here in the Southern tip of Africa, has been
generally dominated by liberalism. If there are any people inside the
country doing the same, kindly let them get in touch with me.
Regards.
Lesegomo@hotmail.com
=============================>
From: Paul Ryan <ryan@student.law.ucla.edu> (by way of Michael Novick
<part2001@usa.net>)
SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER:
A Conference on Progressive Law and Community Action Strategies
EVERYONE'S INVITED!
PRESENTED BY: UCLA School of Law's Coalition for Progressive Action
WHEN: Saturday, September 25, 1999, Registration / check-in begins at 9AM
Conference runs from 9:45 AM until 6 PM.
WHERE: UCLA School of Law
COST: $10.00 suggested minimum donation includes lunch. Sliding scale-no
one will be turned away for lack of funds. UNDER 18 FREE. You must
pre-register if you want lunch, even if you can't pay because we need to
know what our food requirements will be.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
* Leonard Weinglass: Chief Attorney for Mumia Abu Jamal
* Norma Jean Almodovar: President of the International Sex Worker
Foundation for Art, Culture and Education; Author of Cop to Call Girl
* And more than 35 other activists.
ENTERTAINMENT: LA Hip Hop Artists El Nuevo Xol
PANELS / WORKSHOPS:
* Stop Framing Youth!: Bringing Justice to the Juvenile Justice System
* Caste in America: Immigrants' Rights After Immigration Reform
* Building Real Democracy: Strategies for Progressive Election Reform
* Resisting Environmental Racism: Bringing the Environmental and Social
Justice Movements Together
* Rethinking the War on Drugs: Grassroots and Policy Strategies
* Se Puede? ¡Si Se Puede!: Power, Democracy and Justice for Workers in LA
* What Happened to Sexual Liberation?: Strategies for Challenging the
Criminalization of Sex in the Age of Aids
* Without Just Cause: The Case of Mumia Abu Jamal and the Death Penalty
* Economic Justice in LA: Strategies for Community Development Through
Enterprise
All community organizations are encouraged to sign up for a table to
distribute information when you register. For more information visit our
website: http://www.law.ucla.edu/programs/ppilp/homepage.htm , call (310)
474-8744, or send an email to Paul Ryan at ryan@student.law.ucla.edu .
To register send your name, address, phone number, email address, whether
your organization would like to reserve a table to distribute info. and a
check (payable to "STTP") for $10 per person to:
STTP c/o PPILP
UCLA School of Law
405 Hilgard Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1476
Thanks. See you September 25th!
====================================>
From: J P <philnpc@op.net>
MUMIA AWARENESS WEEK ACTIVITIES IN PHILADELPHIA
Media ZAPP! Tell the media what YOU think about their biased coverage
of Mumia:
ABC - 2020: 212-456-2020; FAX 212-456-0533; 2020@ABC.COM
VANITY fAIR : 212-880-8800; FAX 212-286-6707; VFMAIL@VF.COM
Phila Daily News: 215-854-2000; fax 215-854-5691
Phila Inquirer: 215-854-2425
TUESDAY 9/21
Youth & Students Day for Mumia!
Video screenings in schools, etc citywide
CASE FOR A REASONABLE DOUBT (HBO Special)
For listings, call 215-248-2101
WEDNESDAY, 9/22
1.LEAFLETTING
Broad & Olney/Erie 7:15 am to 9am
Phila Housing Units citywide
2. Bill Bachman on trial for "violating" July 4th Liberty Bell demo
permit -- Federal Court, 6 & Market, 9am
3. Case for Reasonable Doubt Video at Temple Student Conference Center,
Broad & Ontario, 3 - 6 pm
THURSDAY, 9/23
1.Community College of Phila. - Day against the Death Penalty
Bonnell Bldg, 17th & Spring Garden
Speakers and Videos 9am to 5pm
2. Death Penalty (SPEAK OUT) training
15th & Cherry 6 - 9pm Free Pizza to participants
FRIDAY 9/24
Community Forum/Press Conference
Time/Location TBA
215-476-8812 for more details
SATURDAY 9/25
PHILADELPHIANS FOR MUMIA demo
12 NOON TO 4PM
STATE OFFICE BUILDING
BROAD & SPRING GARDEN (Near FOP Headquarters)
215-476-8812
WEEKLY MEETINGS . WEDNESDAYS 7PM . 4601 MARKET ST, 5TH FL....
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>x<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
National Peoples Campaign - Phila
215-724-1618
=====================================>
From: Paul Lefrak <plefr@umich.edu>
Ann Arbor/Univ. of Michigan events for Mumia as part of the 100 Cities for
Mumia Campaign. Sponsored by Anti-Racist Action (ARA) Ann Arbor.
MOVIE: "MUMIA ABU-JAMAL: A CASE FOR REASONABLE DOUBT?" (1996 HBO)
Thurs. Sept. 23 * 7:30pm * Room 'D' Michigan League
PROTEST: DEMAND A NEW TRIAL FOR MUMIA ABU-JAMAL! STOP THE EXECUTION!
Sat. Sept. 25 * 12pm * Federal Building (5th & Liberty)
NEXT ARA MEETING: Mon. Sept. 27 * 8pm * Tap Room, basement Michigan Union
=====================================>
SEATTLE:
From: "The Campaign to End the Death Penalty" <cedp@hotmail.com>
MUMIA AWARENESS WEEK, 9/19 - 9/25
For those of you who don't know, Mumia Abu-Jamal is an award-winning
journalist, a political activist, and one-time member of the Black Panther
Party. He currently sits on Pennsylvania's death row after an atrociously
unfair trial in 1982. As Mumia's case enters the dangerous final stage of
the appeal process - his death warrant could be signed at any time - now is
the time to act.
Where do you stand??? EVENTS INCLUDE:
TUESDAY, 9/21, CEDP is showing "A Case for Reasonable Doubt" - the HBO
documentary on Mumia Abu-Jamal - at 7pm in SCCC's Student Activities Center
(SAC) Rm 209 (on Broadway just north of Pine on the east side of the
street). Discussion to follow. Donation only.
FRIDAY, 9/24, Schools for Mumia
We encourage students to do whatever they want to do to get the word out
about Mumia, i.e. tabling, debates, discussions, guest speakers, video
showing, or even a walk-out to leaflet. It is up to the students. CEDP can
supply the materials - just contact us.
SATURDAY, 9/25, 3pm at SCCC, March/Rally 4 Mumia, to Victor Steinbrueck Park
(near Pike Place Market). Speakers include CEDP, SMDC (Seattle Mumia
Defense Committee), Omowali, Gary Owens (former Black Panther), SAVE
(Students Against Violence Everywhere), Dick Burton, Arthur Miller of LPSN,
etc. Without public outcry, Mumia will be executed! March with us to
demand justice.
ALL WEEK LONG: Tabling, leafleting, debate, sticker sales, etc. should be
happening all the time. Other ideas welcome!
For more info, contact:
CEDP at (206)368-9196 or cedp@hotmail.com
SMDC at (206)333-4290 or smdc@scn.org
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! Andrea
"Every generation should have a moral assignment, and one of ours must be
justice for Mumia Abu-Jamal." - Ossie Davis
==================================>
From: iacenter@iacenter.org
NEW YORK CITY EVENTS FOR MUMIA AWARENESS WEEK
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – INTERNATIONAL YOUTH AND STUDENT DAY
Hunter College activities all day. Sponsored by SLAM!. Call 212-772-4261.
Youth Rally and March Columbus Circle, marching to Times Square.
Refuse & Resist! Youth Network, NYC (212) 385-9305
International Action Center volunteers’ meeting featuring reports on
Mumia and from activists who have just returned from South Africa.
Includes video footage of both struggles. 6:30 pm at 39 W. 14 St.,
#206. For more information, call 212-633-6646.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 – OUTREACH TO HOUSING PROJECTS
NYC Campaign To End the Death Penalty is hosting a LIVE FROM DEATH ROW
featuring a call-in message and question and answer session with members
of the Death Row 10, a group of death row inmates convicted on the basis of
tortured confessions. Also speaking: Manning Marable, Professor of African
American Studies/History at Columbia University, Francis Golden, Literary
agent for Mumia Abu-Jamal, Frank Smith, survivor of the Attica prison
uprising; Lucy Herschel, Campaign to End The death Penalty.
7:30 pm at 602 Schermerhorn Hall Columbia University, 116th & Broadway
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – ANTI-DEATH PENALTY DAY
Rally at the College of Staten Island sponsored by the College Voice.
1:30 to 5 pm. For more information, call 718-982-3091.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – STUDENT WALK OUTS
Workers World Party Forum: Fighting racist government repression
Speakers include Dona Rosa Escobar of Pro Libertad, Monica Moorehead and
Larry Holmes of WWP, and a Youth and Student organizer for Mumia
Awareness Week. Topics include an update on Mumia’s fight for a new trial,
the ongoing struggle to free all the Puerto Rican political prisoners, the
growth of the prison-industrial complex, and anti-repression struggles.
7 pm at 55 W. 17th St. For more information, call 212-627-2994.
The Code will be holding a Open Mic Slam for Mumia at 7:00pm at
Sistas' Place, 456 Nostrand Ave. (corner of Jefferson), Brooklyn.
Call 718 398-1766 for more information.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 – 100 CITIES FOR MUMIA
March for Mumia
Two assembly points:
12 noon at Harlem State Office Building, 125th St. and Adam Clayton
Powell Blvd.
March to Columbus Circle at 1 pm
2:30 pm at Columbus Circle, 59th St. and 8th Ave.
At 3:30 pm, march to ABC network headquarters, through Times
Square, ending at Vanity Fair magazine offices.
Sponsored by New Afrikan Liberation Front, December 12th Movement,
Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition, International Action Center,
Refuse & Resist!, Campaign to End the Death Penalty
For more information, call 212-330-8029 or 718-398-1766.
International Action Center 39 West 14th Street, Room 296 New York, NY
10011 email: iacenter@iacenter.org http://www.iacenter.org phone: 212
633-6646 fax: 212 633-2889
==================================>
From: Art McGee <amcgee@igc.org>
September 16, 1999
CRUCIAL HOUR IN THE BATTLE FOR MUMIA ABU-JAMAL'S LIFE
By Carl Dix
Imagine a case in which a person isn't allowed to represent
himself...witnesses are threatened or even arrested on the stand...a man
charged with killing a cop is tried by a judge who is a lifetime member of
the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)...[the] appeal is heard and denied by
a court where five out of [the] seven judges have either received campaign
contributions or campaign endorsements from the FOP...[and] a "confession"
was manufactured. I don't have to imagine such a case. It's mine.
Mumia Abu-Jamal in Source magazine, February 1999
1999 is a crucial year of decision in the fight to stop the
execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal. And Mumia Awareness Week, September 19-25,
is a pivotal hour of outreach and activity, to culminate in marches and
rallies in dozens of cities on September 25.
Last year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court unanimously rejected
Mumia's appeal of an unjust conviction. Before the end of October, his
lawyers will file his appeal in Federal Courts. This filing will initiate
the crucial and FINAL rounds of the legal battle.
To be blunt, unless there is tremendous POLITICAL pressure brought
on the powerstructure, Mumia will be killed within the next few years. It
is urgent that we send up a roar that will rattle the cowardly hearts of
the powers-that-be with our message: WE WILL NOT LET YOU KILL MUMIA. We
weren't able to stop the assassination of Malcolm X or Fred Hampton. But
we can and must do everything to stop the government from its legal
assassination of Mumia.
Mumia is the only political prisoner on death row.* He's been
there since 1982. His railroad typifies how the U.S. government deals
with political opponents--especially revolutionaries who connect with
those on the bottom of society.
On December 9, 1981, Mumia was driving his cab on a downtown
Philadelphia street. He saw a cop beating his brother, and he rushed to
the scene. When the smoke cleared, Mumia was shot in the chest. Nearby,
Philadelphia cop Daniel Faulkner lay dying from bullet wounds. Mumia was
charged with Faulkner's death. The prosecution suppressed evidence,
removed 11 qualified African-Americans from the jury, threatened and
bribed witnesses, and used Mumia's history in the Black Panthers to argue
for the death sentence.
As a teenager in Philadelphia, Mumia was the Minister of
Information of the Black Panther Party. Later, as a radio journalist he
was known as the "voice of the voiceless." He supported the MOVE
organization and exposed the racism and police brutality against these
Black revolutionaries, and others. At age 26, he was elected chair of the
Philadelphia chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
But for the past 18 years Mumia has been on death row--locked in a
cell 23 hours a day. His mail, including confidential correspondence with
his lawyer, has been opened and copied by prison authorities. He was put
into punitive detention for writing his book, Live from Death Row. His
commentaries have been censored on the radio. As Mumia put it, "They
don't just want my death, they want my silence."
In 1995, a worldwide campaign stopped Mumia's execution just 10
days before the government tried to put this brother to death. But the
authorities have continued to escalate threats on Mumia's life,
intensifying in recent months. To stop his execution now will take a
diverse and determined struggle many times more powerful.
The battle for Mumia's life has grown by leaps and bounds, which
is very positive and heartening. Our struggle has held up the
executioner's hand, but it's not yet strong enough to stop it from coming
back down. Recent attacks on Mumia and his supporters make it clear that
the death threat still hangs over him.
Our ability to stop his execution is based on the solid foundation
we have laid in this battle so far, especially the past year. Tens of
thousands of people, of all nationalities, from all walks have life, have
cried out for justice for Mumia. In particular, the youth have been in
the house in a big way. There's been school teach-ins and rock concerts.
35,000 people total marched in the streets of San Francisco and Philly in
support of Mumia on April 24th. Ads have been taken out in newspapers,
including a full page ad New York Times. Last week as part of an effort
called Mumia 911, more than 1,000 artists participated in over 100 events
in cities across the US and some in Europe and Africa too. This is very
good, and we need a lot more of it, very quickly.
The powers-that-be have responded with an intensive and
multi-faceted campaign of lies and threats in order to proceed with his
execution. On April 25, the city of Philadelphia launched its attack on
the Black United Fund of Pennsylvania (BUF/PA)--by not allowing city
workers to donate to this charitable organization. This not only
threatens the very survival of the BUF/PA but also many charities that
serve the Black community. The BUF/PA has not even taken a position on
Mumia but simply provide a service to the International Friends and Family
so people can donate funds to Mumia's defense through the BUF/PA. This is
a vicious assault on Mumia by assaulting the entire Black community.
Like the Israeli Zionists who blow up whole Palestine villages to
punish the rock throwing youth, the BUF/PA attack is this government's way
of collective punishment on the Black community. It is their demand for
the Black community to renounce and distance itself from this unrepentant
rebel-slave Mumia. In keeping with the all American white supremacist
tradition, their message is clear: there's a price to pay for anyone who
stands up for (or even just sides with) Mumia, and a higher price still
from Black organizations and people.
And acting like a lynch mob in blue, the Fraternal Order of
Police--this country's largest cops' organization (over 283,000
members)--have been leading the demand for Mumia's execution. Their
August press release launched a nationwide boycott against those
businesses and individuals who support Mumia. It ends with the words
"[a]nd we will not rest until Abu-Jamal burns in hell." They have
harassed artists who stood up for Mumia and posted their target list of
artists on the FOP website.
I'm a founder and national organizer of the October 22nd Coalition to
Stop Police Brutality, Repression, and the Criminalization of a
Generation. This Coalition has endorsed and taken up the fight for Mumia
because he's a victim of police brutality and a fighter against police
brutality. His is a CLASSIC case of police brutality against a BLACK, ANY
Black man. The frame-up of Mumia concentrates the way Black people are
routinely abused by the police, the courts, the prisons, and the media.
There are high stakes for every person who wants to see justice in the
world, and for every person who wants to see an end to the brutal
oppression of Black people.
A sign of the power's murderous intent is the flood of scandalous
lies pumped out through the media--rabid calls for Mumia's death were
aired on ABC: the first on KGO TV in San Francisco, an ABC affiliate; and
then TWO on ABC's 20/20, hosted by Sam Donaldson.
The most recent attack on Mumia was spearheaded by the magazine
"Vanity Fair" in a hit piece fabricating yet another "confession." Scores
of TV and print media ran this story but none bothered to check the facts
check with Mumia, his lawyers, or court documents. Every lie that stokes
the execution engine has been blown up into headlines when it comes to
their attempt to rush Mumia to the gas chamber.
The government's case is so weak that they have to come up with
one "Mumia confession" hoax after another over these 18 years. It's a
desperate move of conducting a trial by media because they have no legal
case that can stand careful scrutiny! Mumia has ALWAYS maintained his
innocence, and he has always refused to be tried in the media but demanded
he get a new trial. As Tom Morello of the rock band Rage Against the
Machine has said "...if these people are so sure of Mumia's guilt, then
why not have a new trial?"
While we step up the most broad, diverse and determined struggle to
date, especially during this Mumia Awareness Week, we need a real
YOUTHQUAKE in the center. Mumia has given love and inspiration to the new
generation to step out to fight the power, to fight for a different
future, to fight for a far better world than this dog-eat-dog nightmare.
Rebel youth of all nationalities can and must put an exclamation point of
"no justice, no peace" on the end of this millennium by going all out for
Mumia, and help to shape the direction of things to come.
What kind of a sick system would brutalize and try to kill a
caring and courageous brother like Mumia? It's a system that has shown
through their treatment of Mumia, and millions like him, that it cares
nothing for truth or justice, or even abiding by their own rules. It's a
heartless system that has always used and abused millions here and
worldwide, and doesn't deserve to exist another minute. It's my view that
a hateful system like this will never change and must be overthrown by
mass armed revolution when the time is ripe.
Today, the system is building prisons fast and furious. They're
criminalizing our youth, sending thousands of them to a lifetime behind
bars. Police brutality and murder is epidemic with cops acting like
judge, jury and executioner on the streets. The politicians answer to
every social problem is more prisons, cops, more repression and
executions. The struggle for Mumia is a key battlefront to get involved
with if you want to defeat this wholesale assault on the people. It is a
key battle for all who stand for justice and emancipation.
Note: Carl Dix is national spokesperson for the Revolution Communist Party
USA. A veteran activist and former GI resister, Carl is also a founding
member of the National Coordinating Committee of the October 22nd
Coalition to Stop Police Brutality.
Carl Dix can be reached at PO Box 400381, Brooklyn NY 11240. Phone: 212-
713-5084. E-mail: CarlDix@hotmail.com.
*(NOTE from Sis. Marpessa: I cannot ever let this be said without pointing
out that many, including myself, would argue it; it certainly takes
nothing away from this very powerful piece from a very gifted writer
and organizer.)
================================>
From: "Oct22 National Office" <Oct22@unstoppable.com>
--------------------------------------------
OCTOBER 22nd COALITION SAYS:
STOP THE EXECUTION OF MUMIA ABU-JAMAL!
Download this document: http://www.unstoppable.com/22/pdf/oct22mumia.pdf
The October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the
Criminalization of a Generation fully supports the fight to stop the
execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal. Mumia is a former Black Panther who has
remained a revolutionary since the 60's. He is also an award winning
journalist who uses his skills to give voice to those this society wants to
make voiceless and powerless. Mumia has been on death row in Pennsylvania
since 1982 when he was framed on charges of killing a cop. During his trial,
Mumia was denied the right to choose his attorney, testimony against him was
gotten through bribery and intimidation and witnesses who said he was
innocent were either hidden from the defense or intimidated from showing up
in court! Judge Sabo, who presided over this kangaroo court, demonstrated
his pro cop bias (he's a life long member of the Fraternal Order of Police)
by denying almost all of Mumia's defense motions and even banning Mumia from
the court during the trial! Mumia deserves a new trial because his first
trial was a travesty of justice.
Mumia is on death row because he is outspoken against police brutality and
other government abuses aimed at poor people. Even from the bowels of death
row, Mumia continues to expose official misconduct across the country and
around the world. The government is even ignoring its own laws as it tries
to execute Mumia. Witnesses who have come forward to testify to his
innocence have been persecuted. The Black United Fund of Philadelphia has
seen its sources of funding being squeezed by the authorities because it
provides tax-exempt status for Mumia's defense. This shows that the powers
that be are determined to execute Mumia in order to silence him. We have to
fight to save his life with equal determination. All people who oppose
injustice should stand with Mumia because he is a victim of injustice AND
because he is an outspoken opponent of injustice.
The October 22nd Coalition was formed in 1996 to fight the nationwide
epidemic of police brutality and police murder. Our annual National Day of
Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a
Generation shines a spotlight on police brutality and helps build resistance
to it. Our Stolen Lives Project (SLP) exposes how widespread the problem of
police murder really is. SLP documents more than 2,000 cases of people
killed by police and other law enforcement agents in the US just in the
1990's. From 1997 to today, we have documented more than one death per day
at the hands of law enforcement. This doesn't even count the killings
they've covered up, or the people who survived being brutalized by cops.
What we're dealing with here aren't isolated incidents. They're part of a
growing nationwide epidemic that must be stopped.
We in the October 22nd coalition know what happens when cops stop a car
driven by a Black man at 4am, like they stopped Mumia's brother back in
December of 1981. We know cops make up false evidence and that cops,
prosecutors and judges conspire to suppress evidence favorable to a
defendant and to railroad people into prison in rigged trials, which they
also did in Mumia's case. This is the experience of far too many people,
especially young people of color and poor people, at the hands of the
criminal justice system.
We also know Philadelphia cops have a long history of brutality and
corruption. In one precinct, cops were caught manufacturing evidence in
cases that put more than 1,000 people in jail. Back in the 1960's under
Rizzo, Philadelphia cops beat protesting school children as viciously as any
red necked, southern sheriff. They brutalized members of the Black Panther
Party and stripped them naked in the street. In 1985, they dropped a bomb on
a house occupied by members of MOVE and let the resulting fire burn till it
had killed 11 people, 5 of them children, and burned down a whole city
block!
If you're somebody who's been abused by the cops and the courts, or somebody
who has a loved one or a friend that has suffered this kind of abuse or just
somebody who thinks this kind of injustice is wrong and must be stopped,
then you have to do two things. You have to join the fight to stop the
execution of Mumia Abu-Jamal. We can't let the authorities silence this
powerful voice against injustice. We need to get Mumia back out on the
streets with us, helping to build a powerful movement to stop police
brutality. You need to add your voice to those crying out, "Free Mumia
Abu-Jamal!"
And you need to join the thousands of people of all races and from many
different backgrounds who will take to the streets in cities across the
country on October 22nd, the National Day of Protest to Stop Police
Brutality. Together we will demonstrate. Many, many people will wear black
in solidarity with the protests and in memory of the victims of the cops.
And together we will say in a loud voice, "Stop Police Brutality, Repression
and the Criminalization of a Generation!" Join us.
100 CITIES FOR MUMIA
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th
This is a short list! For a full listing, see
http://mojo.calyx.net/~refuse/mumia/demos.html
Atlanta, GA
2:00--6:00 PM-Mumia Awareness Festival; Coan Park on Boulevard Drive, 1/2
mile east of Moreland Ave. in Kirkwood. Many bands, spoken word, AIM
drummers, mural artists. Speakers: Councilman Michael Julian Bond, David
Gunn, Jr. and speakers from SCLC, Rainbow Coalition, Amnesty Int'l info:
770-989-2536, 404-239-8054
Chicago, IL
11:00 AM-March & Rally-Three feeder marches start at State/Lake, 11th/State,
Van Buren/Clark-Rally 1:00 PM in Federal Plaza, Adams/Dearborn info: Chicago
Committee To Free Mumia Abu-Jamal 773-381-6507
Detroit, MI
1:00 PM-Leaflet on the Avenue of Fashion. Meet at 1pm at McDonalds at 6 Mile
and Livernois info: 313-628-4932, 313-831-0750, 313-338-1850, 313-869-8383
Los Angeles, CA
10:00 AM-DEMONSTRATION/RALLY South Central L.A.'s Leimert Park, at 43rd and
Degnan at 11:00am (gather at 10:00am).
7:00 PM-DEMONSTRATION/RALLY
Le Conte and Westwood info: 323-653-4510, 310-397-6801, or 310-649-0357.
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
11:00 AM-Caravan For Mumia-Taking The Truth To The Community-Join with
scores of cars, bicyclists, bladers and boarders as three caravans will wind
their way through important communities in San Francisco. Help distribute
the truth of Mumia, his case, and the need to mobilize for a new trial and
to Stop The Execution! Meet at 11:00 am at the following locations: Bay View
Playground-Third St. between Armstrong and Carroll-Marina Green Parking lot
at Marina Boulevard and Filmore-George Washington High School, Geary between
30th and 32nd Avenues in the Richmond District-Call the Mobilization to Free
Mumia Abu-Jamal at 415-695-7745 for more information.
... and much more! Check the web for details about other cities, such as
Houston, Green Bay, Santa Cruz, Pensacola, DC. Other countries: Holland,
Norway, Germany, UK.
(end)
======================================>
WHATCH'ALL GONNA DO? TAKE A STAND!!!!!!
FREE MUMIA AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS + EXILES!
ABOLISH THE RACIST, CLASSIST DEATH PENALTY!
------------------------------------------
International Concerned Family & Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal
P.O. Box 19709 - Philadelphia, PA 19143
Ph: 215-476-8812 / Fax: 215-476-7551
Web: www.mumia.org / E-mail: mumia@webcom.com
MUMIA MUST LIVE!