PHILADELPHIA—Members of the Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry, Delaware Valley Region, went down to the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center on October 27, to stand with Sister Pam Africa and those who stand with Brother Mumia Abu-Jamal for his “Motion under the Post-Conviction Relief Act” in front of Common Pleas Court Judge Lucretia Clemons.
His supporters argue that Mumia was unfairly convicted by Philadelphia’s racist injustice system in 1982 and sentenced to be executed.
It was the “People’s Movement” that forced the state to take him off death row in 2011. This writer recognizes Sister Pam Africa as the lead organizer. Mumia was taken off death row but still faces “death by incarceration.”
Mumia’s defense team presented three points before the judge that were originally made on December 23, 2021. Noelle Hanrahan of Prison Radio stated, “Abu-Jamal’s defense petition included newly discovered evidence that had been buried in the prosecutor’s own files. This evidence documented key witnesses receiving promises of money for their testimony and evidence of favorable treatment in pending criminal cases.”
She continued, “The petition also documented the abhorrent and unconstitutional practice of striking Black jurors during Mumia’s original trial.”
There were supporters from far and wide that attended the October 27 court date including those from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and other areas. Outside of the Criminal Justice Center Courthouse, you could hear the crowd chanting, “Brick by brick, wall by wall, we’re going to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal.” There were various speakers, from revolutionary organizations, churches, community activists, and more demanding “justice” for Mumia.
Finally, news came down from the courtroom. Professor Johanna Fernandez, a longtime advocate for Brother Mumia stated: “We have been summoned to return to this courtroom on December 16. What happened in the courtroom? The judge essentially wrote a 31-page decision. She asked the attorneys to make arguments. Essentially, it seems the new evidence that was discovered in 2019 seems to be dismissed by the judge. Right now, the question that might be salvageable is the issue of ‘discrimination and jury selection.’
“So, she issued a ‘motion to dismiss’ which means that under the law our attorneys have 20 days to respond and to rebut or challenge her motion to dismiss which is the position of the prosecution of the DA’s (district attorney) office and the DA has 10 days to respond,” she added.
“This judge is accepting as fact the past prosecution and police investigation.”
Professor Fernandez went on to advise supporters and all concerned individuals to help fill up the courtroom with Black and Brown people on December 16.
The Nation of Islam Prison Reform Ministry on behalf of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and his Student National Prison Reform Minister Abdullah Muhammad shared a moment with Sister Pam Africa. She expressed so much love for Minister Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam for their undying love and support for Brother Mumia Abu-Jamal.
The NOI Prison Reform Ministry, Delaware Valley Region, will be present on December 16 for Mumia’s hearing. We appeal to all Black and Brown people in the surrounding area who fight for “justice,” to be with us to fill up the courtroom.
FREE MUMIA ABU-JAMAL NOW!
FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!
—Brother Gregory Muhammad
NOI Student Prison Reform Ministry, Delaware Valley Region Coordinator
