Mumia Abu-Jamal 20057 226049753 2008-07-16T16:33:51Z Nishkid64 747326 /* Life as a prisoner */ italicize newspaper name. {{Infobox Person | name = Mumia Abu-Jamal | image = Mumiaabujamal.png | image_size = 193px | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1954|4|24}} | birth_place = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | residence = SCI-Greene, near [[Waynesburg, Pennsylvania]] | spouses = 1.Biba (former)<br />2.Marilyn "Peaches" Cook (former)<br />3.Wadiya (current) | parents = William and Edith Cook | children = 3<ref name="majfamily">{{cite web | last=Burroughs | first=Todd Steven | title=Mumia Abu-Jamal’s Family Faces Future While Fighting Fear 20th Anniversary of 1981 Shooting Approaches | publisher=[[NNPA]] News Service | date=December 2001 | url=http://whosemedia.com/drums/2006/12/01/remembering-13th-and-locust-25-years-later/ | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> | nationality = [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|20px]] [[United States|U.S.]] | education = [[Benjamin Franklin High School (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)|Benjamin Franklin High School]] ([[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]])<br />[[Goddard College]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]])<br />[[California State University, Dominguez Hills]] ([[Master of Arts|M.A.]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sevenstories.com/author/index.cfm?fa=ShowAuthor&Person_ID=42|title=Mumia Abu-Jamal|publisher=[[Seven Stories Press]]|accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> | occupation = Journalist/activist | religion = [[Monotheism|Monotheistic]] }} '''Mumia Abu-Jamal''' ({{pronEng|muːmiɑː əbuː dʒəˈmɑːl}}; born '''Wesley Cook''' on [[April 24]], [[1954]]) is an [[United States|American]] who was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1981 murder of police officer [[Daniel Faulkner]].<ref>''Commonwealth v. Abu-Jamal'', Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District, Philadelphia, Case Nos. 1357-59.</ref> During his imprisonment he has been an honoree of municipal, educational and civil society organizations, and courted controversy as a spoken word commentator and published author of several works—most notably ''[[Live from Death Row]]''. He is currently a prisoner at State Correctional Institution Greene near [[Waynesburg, Pennsylvania]]. Prior to his arrest he was a [[Black Panther Party]] activist, cab driver, and journalist. Since his conviction, his case has received international attention. Supporters and opponents disagree on the appropriateness of the [[death penalty]], whether he is guilty, or whether he received a [[fair trial]] and the benefit of [[due process]].<ref name="amn">{{cite web | title=A Life in the Balance: The Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal | publisher=Amnesty International | date=[[February 17]] [[2000]] | url=http://www.amnesty.org/en/report/info/AMR51/001/2000 | accessdate =2007-10-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Taylor Jr. | first =Stuart | title=Guilty and Framed | publisher=[[The American Lawyer]] | date =December 1995 | url=http://www.courttv.com/archive/casefiles/mumia/guilty.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref><ref name="parl">{{cite web | title=European Parliament resolution 9(f) B4-1170/95 (p. 39 of original, 49 of pdf) | publisher=[[European Parliament]] | date=[[September 21]] [[1995]] | url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/calendar/calendar?APP=PDF&TYPE=PV2&FILE=19950921EN.pdf&LANGUE=EN | format=pdf | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> In December 2001, a judge of the [[United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania]] affirmed his conviction but quashed the original punishment of death and ordered resentencing. Both Abu-Jamal, who wanted the conviction overturned, and the [[Commonwealth of Pennsylvania]], who wanted the original sentence upheld, appealed. The case was orally argued before a three-judge panel in the [[U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit]], [[Philadelphia]] on [[May 17]], [[2007]]. On [[March 27]], [[2008]], the panel issued its [[legal opinion|opinion]] affirming the decision of the District Court.<ref>{{cite web | title=3rd Circuit Decision in Abu-Jamal v. Horn | date=[[March 27]], [[2008]] | url=http://www.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/019014p.pdf | accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref> == Early life and activism == Abu-Jamal's father died when he was nine years old.<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|author=Smith, Laura|title='I spend my days preparing for life, not for death'|publisher=The Guardian|date=[[October 27]], [[2007]]|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2198557,00.html|accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> He was given the name Mumia in 1968 by his high school teacher, a [[Kenya]]n instructing a class on African cultures in which students took African classroom names.<ref name="burI">{{cite web | last=Burroughs | first=Todd Steven | title=Prologue: Joining the Party | work=Ready to Party: Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Black Panther Party | publisher=[[The College of New Jersey]] | date=2004 | url=http://www.tcnj.edu/~kpearson/Mumia/index.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Abu-Jamal claims that 'Mumia' means "Prince" and was the name of anti-colonial African nationalists conducting warfare against the British in Kenya at the time of [[Uhuru (independence)|the Uhuru]].<ref>{{cite web | last=Abu-Jamal | first=Mumia | title=Question for Mumia: Tell Me About Your Name | work=Mumia Abu-Jamal Radio Broadcast | publisher=Prison Radio | date=[[February 7]], [[2003]] | url=http://www.prisonradio.org/maj/maj_2_7_name.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> He adopted the surname Abu-Jamal ("father of Jamal" in [[Arabic language|Arabic]]) after the birth of his son Jamal on [[July 18]], [[1971]].<ref name="burI"/><ref name="bur4">{{cite web | last=Burroughs | first=Todd Steven | title=Part IV: Leaving the Party | work=Ready to Party: Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Black Panther Party | publisher=The College of New Jersey | date=2004 | url=http://www.tcnj.edu/~kpearson/Mumia/parrt4.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> His first marriage at age 19, to Jamal's mother, Biba, was short-lived.<ref>Bisson, p.119 quoted at {{cite web | title=The Religious Affiliation of Mumia Abu-Jamal | publisher=[[Adherents.com]] | date=[[September 3]] [[2005]] | url=http://www.adherents.com/people/pa/Mumia_AbuJamal.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Their daughter, Lateefa, was born shortly after the wedding.<ref name="majfamily"/> Mazi, Abu-Jamal's son by his second wife, Marilyn (known as "Peachie"),<ref name="bur4"/> was born in early 1978.<ref>See ages given in: {{cite web | last=Vann | first=Bill | title=Tens of thousands rally in Philadelphia for political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal | work=World Socialist Web Site news | publisher=[[International Committee of the Fourth International]] | date=[[April 27]], [[1999]] | url=http://www.wsws.org/articles/1999/apr1999/maj-a27.shtml | accessdate=2008-01-22}} and {{cite web | last=Erard | first=Michael | title=A Radical in the Family | publisher=[[The Texas Observer]] | date=[[July 4]], [[2003]] | url=http://www.michaelerard.com/fulltext/2006/08/a_radical_in_the_family_texas.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Abu-Jamal separated from Marilyn and commenced living with his third and current wife, Wadiya, shortly before the events that led to his incarceration.<ref>{{cite web | last=Hill | first=Craig | title=The fight to save Mumia Abd-Jamal: Wadiya Jamal at NYC Rally | publisher=[[The Michigan Citizen]] | date=[[November 6]], [[1993]] | url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-2221398.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> === Involvement with the Black Panthers === [[Image:Bpp logo.PNG|thumb|left|Black Panther Party logo]] In his own writings, Abu-Jamal describes his adolescent experience of being "kicked&nbsp;... into the Black Panther Party" after suffering a beating from white racists and a policeman for his efforts to disrupt a [[George Wallace#Independent American Party presidential candidate|George Wallace for President]] rally in 1968.<ref>{{cite book|author=Abu-Jamal, Mumia|year=1996|title=Live From Death Row|publisher=Harper Perennial|location=New York|pages=p.151|isbn=0-380-72766-8}}</ref> The following year, at the age of 15, he helped form the Philadelphia branch of the [[Black Panther Party]],<ref name="bur1">{{cite web | last=Burroughs | first=Todd Steven | title=Part I: "Do Something, Nigger!" | work=Ready to Party: Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Black Panther Party | publisher=The College of New Jersey | date=2004 | url=http://www.tcnj.edu/~kpearson/Mumia/part1.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> taking appointment, in his own words, as the chapter's "Lieutenant of Information", exercising a responsibility for authoring propaganda and news communications. In one of the interviews he gave at the time he quoted [[Mao Zedong]], saying that "political power grows out of the barrel of a gun".<ref name="bur5">{{cite web | last=Burroughs | first=Todd Steven | title=Epilogue: The Barrel of a Gun | work=Ready to Party: Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Black Panther Party | publisher=The College of New Jersey | date=2004 | url=http://www.tcnj.edu/~kpearson/Mumia/part5.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> That same year, he dropped out of [[Benjamin Franklin High School (Philadelphia)|Benjamin Franklin High School]] and took up residence in the branch's headquarters.<ref name="bur1"/> He spent the winter of 1969 in [[New York City]] and the spring of 1970 in [[Oakland, California|Oakland]], living and working with BPP colleagues in those cities.<ref name="bur2">{{cite web | last=Burroughs | first=Todd Steven | title=Part II: The Party in Philadelphia | work=Ready to Party: Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Black Panther Party | publisher=The College of New Jersey | date=2004 | url=http://www.tcnj.edu/~kpearson/Mumia/part2.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> He was a party member from May 1969 until October 1970 and was subject to [[FBI]] [[COINTELPRO]] surveillance from then until about 1974.<ref name="bur3">{{cite web | last=Burroughs | first=Todd Steven | title=Part III: 'Armed and Dangerous': Tracked by the FBI | work=Ready to Party: Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Black Panther Party | publisher=The College of New Jersey | date=2004 | url=http://www.tcnj.edu/~kpearson/Mumia/part3.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> === Education and journalism career === After leaving the Panthers he returned to his old high school, but was suspended for distributing literature calling for "black revolutionary student power".<ref name="naacp">{{cite web | last=Shaw | first=Theodore M. | coauthors=Chachkin, Norman J.; Swarns, Christina A. | title=Brief of ''amicus curiae'' | work=Mumia Abu-Jamal v. Martin Horn, Pennsylvania Director of Corrections, et al. | publisher=[[NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund]] | date=[[July 27]], [[2007]] | url=http://www.naacpldf.org/content/pdf/jury/Abu-Jamal_v_Horn_amicus_brief.pdf | format=pdf | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> He also led unsuccessful protests to change the school name to [[Malcolm X]] High.<ref name="naacp"/> After attaining his [[GED]], he studied briefly at [[Goddard College]] in rural [[Vermont]].<ref name="tsb">{{citation | last=Burroughs | first=Todd Steven | title=Mumia's voice: confined to Pennsylvania's death row, Mumia Abu-Jamal remains at the center of debate as he continues to write and options to appeal his police murder conviction dwindle | journal=Black Issues Book Review | date=September-October, 2004 | url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HST/is_5_6/ai_n6194201/pg_1 | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> By 1975 he was pursuing a vocation in radio newscasting, first at [[Temple University]]'s [[WRTI]] and then at commercial enterprises.<ref name="naacp"/> In 1975, he was employed at radio station [[WHAT (AM)|WHAT]] and he became host of a weekly feature program of [[WOGL|WCAU-FM]] in 1978.<ref name="pi1">{{cite news | title=The Suspect - One Who Raised His Voice | publisher=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | date=[[December 10]], [[1981]] | url=http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/botswana/509/inqarticles/12-10a.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> He was also employed for brief periods at radio station [[WPEN]], and became active in the local chapter of the Marijuana Users Association of America.<ref name="pi1"/> From 1979 he worked at [[WHYY-FM|WUHY]] public radio station until 1981 when he was asked to submit his resignation after a dispute about the requirements of objective focus in his presentation of news.<ref name="pi1"/> As a radio journalist he earned the moniker "the voice of the voiceless" and was renowned for identifying with and giving exposure to the [[MOVE]] [[anarcho-primitivism|anarcho-primitivist]] commune in Philadelphia's [[Powelton Village]] neighborhood, including reportage of the 1979–80 trial of certain of its members (the "MOVE Nine") charged with the murder of police officer James Ramp.<ref name="pi1"/> At the time of the killing of Daniel Faulkner, Abu-Jamal was working as a taxicab driver in Philadelphia.<ref>Abu-Jamal, Mumia. ''All Things Censored''</ref> He was also the outgoing President of the [[Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists]],<ref>{{cite web | title=30 Moments in Journalism | publisher=[[National Association of Black Journalists]] | date=[[December 2]], [[2005]] | url=http://www.nabj.org/30/moments/thirty/v-print/story/31591p-46158c.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> and had been working part-time as a reporter for [[WDAS (AM)#WDAS|WDAS]],<ref name="pi1"/> then an [[African American culture|African-American-oriented]] and minority-owned radio station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/nj2/piratejim/phillyamhistory.html|title=Philadelphia AM Radio History|publisher=Radio-History.com|accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> == Arrest for murder and trial == {{main|Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Mumia Abu-Jamal}} [[Image:Daniel faulkner.jpg|right|thumb|Daniel Faulkner]] On [[December 9]], [[1981]], [[Philadelphia Police Department]] officer [[Daniel Faulkner]] was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop of a vehicle belonging to William Cook, Abu-Jamal's younger brother. In the altercation, close to the intersection at 13th and Locust Streets in [[Philadelphia]], Abu-Jamal was wounded by a shot from Faulkner, and collapsed on the sidewalk. He was taken directly from the scene of the shooting to [[Thomas Jefferson University Hospital]] and received treatment for his injuries. He was later charged with the [[first-degree murder]] of Daniel Faulkner.<ref name="tr">{{cite web | title=Trial and Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) hearing transcripts | publisher=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | url=http://www.danielfaulkner.com/docs/MumiaTrialandPCRAAppealsTranscripts.pdf | format=pdf | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> The case went to trial in June 1982 in Philadelphia. Judge [[Albert F. Sabo]] initially agreed to Abu-Jamal's request to represent himself, with criminal defense attorney Anthony Jackson acting as his legal advisor. During the first day of the trial this decision was reversed and Jackson was ordered to resume acting as Abu-Jamal's sole advocate by reason of what the judge deemed to be intentionally disruptive actions on Abu-Jamal's part.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript §1.72–§1.73 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 17]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-17-82.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> === Prosecution case at trial === The prosecution presented four witnesses to the court. Robert Chobert, a cab driver, identified Abu-Jamal as the shooter.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript §3.210–§3.211 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 19]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-19-82.html#chobert | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Cynthia White, a prostitute, claimed to see a man emerge from a nearby parking lot and shoot Faulkner.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript pp.94–95 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 21]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-21-82.html#white | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Michael Scanlon, a motorist, testified that from two car lengths away, he saw a man, matching Abu-Jamal's description, run across the street from a parking lot and shoot Faulkner.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript pp.5–75 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 25]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-25-82.html#scanlan | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Albert Magilton, a pedestrian who did not see the actual killing, testified to witnessing Faulkner pull over Cook's car. At the point of seeing Abu-Jamal start to cross the street toward them from the parking lot, Magilton turned away and lost sight of what happened next.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript pp.75 ff. | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 25]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-25-82.html#magilton | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> The prosecution also presented two witnesses who were present at the hospital after the altercation. Hospital security guard Priscilla Durham and Police Officer Garry Bell testified that Abu-Jamal confessed in the hospital by saying, "I shot the mother fucker, and I hope the mother fucker dies."<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript pp.29, 31, 34, 137, 162 and 164 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 24]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-24-82.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> A [[.38 Special|.38 caliber]] revolver, belonging to Abu-Jamal, with five spent cartridges was retrieved at the scene. The shell casings and rifling characteristics of the weapon were consistent with bullet fragments taken from Faulkner's body.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript p.169 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 23]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-23-82.html#paul | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Tests to confirm Abu-Jamal had handled and fired the weapon were not performed; Abu-Jamal's struggle with the police during his arrest would have made the potential results scientifically unreliable.<ref>{{cite web | title=PCRA hearing transcript, pp.118–122 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[August 2]], [[1995]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/pcra/95-08-02.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> === Defense case at trial === The defense maintained that Abu-Jamal was innocent of the charges and that the testimony of the prosecution's witnesses was unreliable. The defense presented nine character witnesses, including poet [[Sonia Sanchez]] who testified that Abu-Jamal was "viewed by the black community as a creative, articulate, peaceful, genial man".<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript p.19 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 30]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-30-82.html#sanchez | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Another defense witness, Dessie Hightower, testified that he saw a man running along the street shortly after the shooting although he did not see the actual shooting itself.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript p.127 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 28]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-28-82.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> His testimony contributed to the development of a "running man theory", based on the possibility that a "running man" may have been the actual shooter. Veronica Jones also testified for the defense but she did not see anyone running.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript pp.99–100 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 29]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/6-29-82.html#jones | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Other potential defense witnesses refused to appear in court.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/5-25-83.html | title=Post-Trial Motions transcript p.29 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[May 25]], [[1983]] | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Abu-Jamal did not testify in his own defense. === Verdict and sentence === The jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict after three hours of deliberations. In the sentencing phase of the trial, Abu-Jamal read to the jury from a prepared statement. He was then cross-examined about issues relevant to the assessment of his character by Joseph McGill, the prosecuting attorney.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript, pp.3–34 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Please, Philadelphia Criminal Trial Division | date=[[July 3]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/7-3-82.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> In his statement Abu-Jamal criticized his attorney as a "legal trained lawyer" who was imposed on him against his will and who "knew he was inadequate to the task and chose to follow the directions of this black-robed conspirator, [Judge] Albert Sabo, even if it meant ignoring my directions". He claimed that his rights had been "deceitfully stolen" from him by the judge, particularly focusing on the denial of his request to receive defense assistance from [[John Africa]] (who was not an attorney) and being prevented from proceeding ''[[pro se]]''. He quoted remarks of John Africa and declared himself "innocent of these charges".<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript, pp.10–16 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Please, Philadelphia Criminal Trial Division | date=[[July 3]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/7-3-82.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Abu-Jamal was subsequently sentenced to death by the unanimous decision of the jury.<ref>{{cite web | title=Trial transcript, pp.100–103 | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Please, Philadelphia Criminal Trial Division | date=[[July 3]], [[1982]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/Days/7-3-82.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> === Post-trial developments === Since the sentence, new information which contradicts the trial evidence has surfaced. Eighteen years after the slaying, [[Arnold Beverly]] claimed that, "wearing a green (camouflage) army jacket", he had run across the street and shot Daniel Faulkner as part of a contract killing because Faulkner was interfering with graft and payoff to corrupt police.<ref>{{cite web | last=Beverly | first=Arnold | title=Affidavit of Arnold Beverly | publisher=Free Mumia Coalition | date=[[June 8]], [[1999]] | url=http://www.freemumia.com/beverlydeclaration.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Private investigator George Newman claimed in 2001 that Chobert had recanted his testimony.<ref>{{Citation | last=Newman | first=George Michael | title=Affidavit of George Michael Newman | publisher=Free Mumia Coalition | date=[[September 25]], [[2001]] | url=http://www.freemumia.com/newmandeclaration.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Cynthia White died in 1992,<ref>{{Cite web | title=PCRA hearing transcript p.144 | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[June 26]], [[1997]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/pcra/97-06-26.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> and it was subsequently alleged that she falsified her testimony.<ref>{{Citation | last=Williams | first=Yvette | title=Declaration of Yvette Williams | publisher=Free Mumia Coalition | date=[[January 28]], [[2002]] | url=http://www.mumia.de/doc/aktuell/20020227mde01en.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Kenneth Pate, a stepbrother of Priscilla Durham who was imprisoned with Abu-Jamal on other charges, has since claimed that Durham admitted to not hearing the hospital confession.<ref>{{cite web | last=Pate | first=Kenneth | title=Declaration of Kenneth Pate | publisher=Free Mumia Coalition | date=[[April 18]], [[2003]] | url=http://www.mumia.de/doc/aktuell/20030510mde00en.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> The hospital doctors have claimed that Abu-Jamal was not capable of making such a dramatic bedside confession at that time.<ref name="guardian"/> In his version of events, detailed in a sworn statement almost 20 years afterwards, Abu-Jamal claimed that he was sitting in his cab across the street when he heard shouting, then saw a police vehicle, then heard the sound of gunshots. Upon seeing his brother appearing disoriented across the street, Abu-Jamal ran to him from the parking lot and was shot by a police officer. The statement includes no mention of the gun that was found nearby him at the crime scene nor the corresponding firearms shoulder holster he was found to be wearing at the time of his arrest.<ref>{{cite web | last=Abu-Jamal | first=Mumia | title=Declaration of Mumia Abu-Jamal | publisher=Chicago Committee to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal | date=[[May 3]], [[2001]] | url=http://www.chicagofreemumia.org/mumiadecl.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> William Cook did not testify or make any statement until 2001 when he claimed that he had not seen who had shot Faulkner.<ref>{{cite web | last=Cook | first=William | title=Declaration of William Cook | publisher=Free Mumia Coalition | date=[[April 29]], [[2001]] | url=http://www.freemumia.com/cookdeclaration.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> == Appeals and review == === State appeals === Direct appeal of his conviction was considered and denied by the [[Supreme Court of Pennsylvania]] on [[March 6]], [[1989]],<ref>{{cite court | litigants=Pennsylvania v. Abu-Jamal | vol=555 | reporter=A.2d | opinion=846 | date=1989}}</ref> subsequently denying rehearing.<ref>{{cite court | litigants=Pennsylvania v. Abu-Jamal | vol=569 | reporter=A.2d | opinion=915 | date=1990}}</ref> The [[Supreme Court of the United States]] denied his petition for [[certiorari|writ of ''certiorari'']] on [[October 1]], [[1990]],<ref>{{cite court | litigants=Abu-Jamal v. Pennsylvania | vol=498 | reporter=U.S. | opinion=881 | date=1990}}</ref> and denied his petition for rehearing twice up to [[June 10]], [[1991]].<ref>{{cite court | litigants=Abu-Jamal v. Pennsylvania | vol=501 | reporter=U.S. | opinion=1214 | date=1991}}</ref><ref name="yn">{{cite web | last=Yohn | first=William H., Jr. | title=Memorandum and Order | work=Mumia Abu-Jamal, Petitioner, vs. Martin Horn, Commissioner, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, et al., Respondents | publisher=US District Court for the Eastern District of Philadelphia | date=December 2001 | url=http://www.paed.uscourts.gov/documents/opinions/01D0951P.pdf | format=pdf | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> [[Image:Tom Ridge.jpg|thumb|100px|left|PA Gov. Ridge signed the death warrant in 1995.]] On [[June 1]], [[1995]] his [[execution warrant|death warrant]] was signed by Pennsylvania Governor [[Tom Ridge]].<ref name="yn"/> Its execution was suspended while Abu-Jamal pursued state post-conviction review. At the post-conviction review hearings, new witnesses were called. William "Dales" Singletary testified that he saw the shooting and that the gunman was the passenger in Cook's car.<ref>{{cite web| title=PCRA hearing transcript pp.204 ff.| work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook| publisher=Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Criminal Trial Division| date=[[August 11]], [[1995]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/pcra/95-08-11.html#singletary| accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Singletary's account contained discrepancies which rendered it "not credible" in the opinion of the court.<ref name="yn"/><ref>{{cite web| title=PCRA hearing transcript pp.16 ff.| work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook| publisher=Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Criminal Trial Division| date=[[August 14]], [[1995]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/pcra/95-08-14.html#jones| accessdate=2008-02-02}}</ref> William Harmon, a convicted fraudster, testified that Faulkner's murderer fled in a car which pulled up at the crime scene, and could not have been Abu-Jamal.<ref>{{cite web | title=PCRA hearing transcript pp.45 ff. | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Criminal Trial Division | date=[[August 10]], [[1995]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/pcra/95-08-10.html#harmon | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> However, Robert Harkins testified that he had witnessed a man stand over Faulkner as the latter lay wounded on the ground, who shot him point-blank in the face and then "walked and sat down on the curb".<ref>{{cite web | title=PCRA hearing transcript | work=Commonwealth vs. Mumia Abu-Jamal aka Wesley Cook | publisher=Court of the Common Pleas, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Criminal Trials Division | date=[[August 2]], [[1995]] | url=http://www.justice4danielfaulkner.com/pcra/95-08-02.html#harkins | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Faulkner | first=Maureen | title=Running From The Truth | publisher=[[The Village Voice]] | date=December 8–14, 1999 | url=http://www.prodeathpenalty.com/running.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> The six judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled unanimously that all issues raised by Abu-Jamal, including the claim of [[ineffective assistance of counsel]], were without merit.<ref>{{cite court | litigants=Pennsylvania v. Abu-Jamal | vol=720 | reporter=A.2d | opinion=79 | date=1998}}</ref> The Supreme Court of the United States denied a petition for ''certiorari'' against that decision on [[October 4]], [[1999]], enabling Governor Ridge to sign a second death warrant on [[October 13]], [[1999]]. Its execution in turn was stayed as Abu-Jamal commenced his pursuit of federal [[Habeas corpus in the United States|habeas corpus]] review.<ref name="yn"/> In 2008, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania rejected a further request from Abu-Jamal for a hearing into claims that the trial witnesses perjured themselves on the grounds that he had waited too long before filing the appeal.<ref>{{citation|author=Lounsberry, Emilie|date=[[February 20]] [[2008]]|journal=The Philadelphia Inquirer|title=Pa. court rebuffs Abu-Jamal on bid for perjury hearing|url=http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20080220_Pa__court_rebuffs_Abu-Jamal_on_bid_for_perjury_hearing.html|accessdate=2008-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iu7PTDiKqmVlPwnGH1mYVrTWha9gD8UTLLAG0|title=Mumia Abu-Jamal Loses Bid for Hearing|date=[[February 19]] [[2008]]|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=2008-03-05}}</ref> === Federal ruling directing resentencing === [[Image:Free Mumia.jpg|thumb|right|180px|"Free Mumia" / "Cop killer" [[Graffiti]]. ]] [[William H. Yohn, Jr.|Judge William H. Yohn Jr.]] of the [[United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania]] upheld the conviction but voided the sentence of death on [[December 18]], [[2001]], citing irregularities in the original process of sentencing.<ref name="yn"/> Particularly,<blockquote>"...the jury instructions and verdict sheet in this case involved an unreasonable application of federal law. The charge and verdict form created a reasonable likelihood that the jury believed it was precluded from considering any mitigating circumstance that had not been found unanimously to exist."<ref name = "yn"/></blockquote> He ordered the State of Pennsylvania to commence new sentencing proceedings within 180 days<ref>{{cite news | title =Abu-Jamal's death sentence overturned | publisher =[[BBC News]] | date =[[December 18]], [[2001]] | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1718274.stm | accessdate =2008-01-22}}</ref> and ruled that it was [[unconstitutional]] to require that a jury's finding of circumstances mitigating against determining a sentence of death be unanimous.<ref>See p.70 of the July 2006 appeal brief for Mumia Abu-Jamal before the US Court of Appeal citing the ruling of Judge Yohn in the US District Court, the [[Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Eighth]] and [[Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution]], and the [[United States Supreme Court]] [[precedent]] of ''Mills v. Maryland'', 486 U.S. 367 (1988)</ref> Eliot Grossman and Marlene Kamish, attorneys for Abu-Jamal, criticized the ruling on the grounds that it denied the possibility of a ''[[trial de novo]]'' at which they could introduce evidence that their client had been framed.<ref>{{cite web | Piette, Betsey | title =Mumia still waiting for due process | publisher =International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu Jamal | date =[[March 6]], [[2003]] | url =http://www.mumia2000.org/alerts/legalupdate3-03.html | accessdate = 2008-01-22}}</ref> Prosecutors also criticized the ruling; Maureen Faulkner (Officer Faulkner's widow) described Abu-Jamal as a "remorseless, hate-filled killer" who would "be permitted to enjoy the pleasures that come from simply being alive" on the basis of the judgement.<ref>{{cite news | last =Rimer | first =Sara | title =Death sentence overturned in 1981 killing of officer | publisher =[[The New York Times]] | date =[[December 19]], [[2001]] | url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9902E5DC123EF93AA25751C1A9679C8B63&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/A/Abu-Jamal,%20Mumia | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Both parties appealed. === Federal higher appeal === On [[December 6]], [[2005]], the [[U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit]] admitted four issues for appeal of the ruling of the District Court:<ref>{{cite news | last=Lindorff | first=Dave | title=A victory for Mumia | publisher=[[Salon.com]] | date=[[December 8]], [[2005]] | url=http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2005/12/08/mumia/index.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> * in relation to sentencing, whether the jury verdict form had been flawed and the judge's instructions to the jury had been confusing; * in relation to conviction and sentencing, whether racial bias in [[jury selection]] existed to an extent tending to produce an inherently biased jury and therefore an unfair trial (the ''[[Batson v. Kentucky|Batson]]'' claim); * in relation to conviction, whether the prosecutor improperly attempted to reduce jurors' sense of responsibility by telling them that a guilty verdict would be subsequently vetted and subject to appeal; * in relation to post-conviction review hearings in 1995–6, whether the presiding judge—who had also presided at the trial—demonstrated unacceptable bias in his conduct. The Third Circuit Court heard oral arguments in the appeals on [[May 17]], [[2007]], at the United States Courthouse in Philadelphia. The appeal panel consisted of Chief Judge [[Anthony Joseph Scirica]], Judge [[Thomas L. Ambro|Thomas Ambro]], and Judge [[Robert Cowen]]. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sought to reinstate the sentence of death, on the basis that Yohn's ruling was flawed, as he should have deferred to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court which had already ruled on the issue of sentencing, and the ''Batson'' claim was invalid because Abu-Jamal made no complaints during the original jury selection. Abu-Jamal's counsel told the Third Circuit Court that Abu-Jamal did not get a fair trial because the jury was both racially-biased and misinformed, and the judge was a racist.<ref>{{cite web | last=Duffy | first=Shannon P. | title=Spectators Pack Courtroom as 3rd Circuit Hears Appeal in Mumia Abu-Jamal Case | publisher=The Legal Intelligencer | date=[[May 18]], [[2007]] | url=http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1179392702456 | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> (Court stenographer Terri Maurer-Carter stated in a 2001 affidavit that the presiding judge had exclaimed, "Yeah, and I'm going to help them fry the nigger", in the course of a conversation regarding Abu-Jamal's case.<ref>{{cite web | last=Maurer-Carter | first=Terri | title=Declaration of Terri Maurer-Carter | publisher=Free Mumia Coalition | date=[[August 21]], [[2001]] | url=http://www.mumia.de/doc/aktuell/20010903mde02en.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Bryan | first=Robert R. | coauthors=Judith L. Ritter | title=Brief on behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal to the US Court of Appeal | publisher=Law Offices of Robert R. Bryan | date=[[July 20]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.freemumia.org/articlesnewspg/7-20-06filing.pdf | format=pdf | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> Judge Sabo denied making such a comment.<ref>{{citation | author= Conroy, Theresa | title=She's 'scared' by impact of her allegation - Says Mumia judge made a racist remark | journal=Philadelphia Daily News | date=[[September 4]], [[2001]]}}</ref>) On [[March 27]] [[2008]], the three-judge panel issued a majority 2–1 [[judicial opinion|opinion]] upholding Yohn's 2001 opinion but rejecting the bias and ''Batson'' claims, with Judge Ambro dissenting on the ''Batson'' issue. If the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania chooses not to hold a new hearing, Abu-Jamal will be automatically sentenced to life in prison.<ref>{{cite web | last=Matheson | first=Kathy | title=Court: Mumia deserves new hearing | publisher=The Associated Press| date=[[March 27]], [[2008]] | url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080327/ap_on_re_us/mumia_abu_jamal;_ylt=AuwB_B7AlQKvQZIP2celIJGs0NUE| accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=3rd Circuit Decision in Abu-Jamal v. Horn | date=[[March 27]], [[2008]] | url=http://www.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/019014p.pdf | accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref> On [[July 6]], [[2008]], Abu-Jamal's lawyers filed a formal petition seeking reconsideration of the decision by the full Third Circuit panel of 12 judges.<ref>{{cite web | last=Lindorff | first=Dave | title=Mumia Abu-Jamal Long Shot Appeal for Reversal of Last Year's Disastrous Third Circuit Ruling | publisher=PhillyIMC | date=[[July 7]], [[2008]] | url=http://www.phillyimc.org/en/node/71122 | accessdate=2008-07-09}}</ref> == Life as a prisoner == In May 1994, Abu-Jamal was engaged by [[National Public Radio]]'s ''[[All Things Considered]]'' program to deliver a series of monthly 3-minute commentaries on crime and punishment.<ref>{{cite news | last=Carter | first=Kevin L | title=A voice of Death Row to be heard on NPR | publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer | date=[[May 16]], [[1994]] | url=http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/botswana/509/inqarticles/5-16-94.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> The broadcast plans and commercial arrangement were canceled following condemnations from, amongst others, the [[Fraternal Order of Police]]<ref>{{cite news | last=Carter | first=Kevin L | title=Inmate's broadcasts canceled | publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer | date=[[May 17]], [[1994]] | url=http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/botswana/509/inqarticles/5-17-94.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> and US Senator [[Bob Dole]] ([[United States Republican Party|R]]-[[Kansas|KS]]).<ref>{{cite news | title=Mumia Abu-Jamal Sues NPR, Claiming Censorship | publisher=[[Court TV]] | date=[[March 26]], [[1996]] | url=http://www.courttv.com/archive/casefiles/mumia/npr.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> The commentaries later appeared in print in May 1995 as part of ''[[Live from Death Row]]''.<ref>{{cite news | title=Inmate's commentaries, dropped by NPR, will appear in print | publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer | date=[[March 6]], [[1995]] | url=http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/botswana/509/inqarticles/3-6-95.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> In 1999, he was invited to deliver the keynote address for the graduating class at [[The Evergreen State College]]. The event was protested heavily.<ref>{{cite press release | title=Mumia Abu-Jamal to Speak at College Graduation Ceremonies | publisher=Peter Bohmer of Evergreen State College, [[Washington]] | date=[[May 26]], [[1999]] | url=http://academic.evergreen.edu/b/bohmerp/znetmay99.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> In 2000, he gave a commencement address at [[Antioch College]].<ref>{{cite web | last=Reynolds | first=Mark | title=Whatever Happened to Mumia Abu-Jamal? | publisher=[[PopMatters]] | date=[[June 2]], [[2004]] | url=http://www.popmatters.com/columns/reynolds/040602.shtml | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> The [[New College of California]] School of Law has presented him with an honorary degree "for his struggle to resist the death penalty".<ref>{{cite web | title=Honorary Degrees | publisher=New College of California School of Law | url=http://www.newcollege.edu/law/honorary_degrees.cfm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> While his spoken word commentaries are recorded regularly, and may be listened to online at [[Prison Radio]],<ref>{{cite web | last=Abu-Jamal | first=Mumia | title=Mumia Abu-Jamal's Radio Broadcasts - essay transcripts and archived mp3 | publisher=PrisonRadio.org | url=http://www.PrisonRadio.org/mumia.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> and he continues to write a Saturday weekly column for the [[German language]] [[Marxism|Marxist]] newspaper ''[[junge Welt]]'', restrictions have at times been imposed upon his activities. In 1995, he was punished with [[solitary confinement]] for engaging in entrepreneurship contrary to prison regulations. Subsequent to the airing of the 1996 [[HBO]] documentary ''Mumia Abu-Jamal: A Case for Reasonable Doubt?'', which included footage from visitation interviews conducted with him, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections acted to ban outsiders from using any recording equipment in state prisons.<ref name = "tsb"/> In litigation before the US Court of Appeals in 1998 he successfully established his right to write for reward in prison. The same litigation also established that the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections had illegally opened his mail in an attempt to establish whether he was writing for financial gain.<ref>{{cite paper | author=United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit | title=Opinion in ''Mumia Abu-Jamal v. James Price, Martin Horn, and Thomas Fulcomer'', No. 96-3756 | publisher=[[Villanova University#School of Law (1953)|Villanova University School of Law]] | date=[[August 25]], [[1998]] | url=http://vls.law.vill.edu/locator/3d/Aug1998/98a1947p.txt | format=txt | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> When, for a brief time in August 1999, he began delivering his radio commentaries live on the [[Pacifica Radio|Pacifica Network's]] ''[[Democracy Now!]]'' weekday radio newsmagazine, local prison authorities severed the connecting wires of his telephone from their mounting in mid-performance.<ref name = "tsb"/> His publications include ''Death Blossoms: Reflections from a Prisoner of Conscience'', in which he explores religious themes, ''All Things Censored'', a political critique examining issues of crime and punishment, and ''We Want Freedom: A Life in the Black Panther Party'', which is a history of the Black Panthers drawing on autobiographical material. == Popular support and opposition == [[Image:Freygang - Mumia Abu-Jamal 03.jpg|thumb|right|Concert at a ''Free Mumia'' demonstration in Germany, 2007]] [[Image:Photo of anti Mumia Abu Jamal T-Shirt.JPG|thumb|left|Anti-Abu-Jamal T-shirt sold in the Philadelphia area<ref>{{cite web | title=Justice For Daniel Faulkner T-Shirts | publisher=danielfaulkner.com | url=http://www.danielfaulkner.com/original/Tshirt.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref>]] A broad international movement has allied in support of Abu-Jamal's cause with opposition coalesced about the family of Daniel Faulkner, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Fraternal Order of Police,<ref>{{cite web | title=The Danny Faulkner Story - Related Information | publisher=Fraternal Order of Police | url=http://www.fop.net/causes/faulkner/info.shtml | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> which in August 1999 called for an economic [[boycott]] against all individuals and organizations that support Abu-Jamal.<ref>{{cite press release | title=FOP attacks supporters of convicted cop killer | publisher=Fraternal Order of Police | date=[[August 11]], [[1999]] | url=http://www.fop.net/servlet/display/news_article?id=177&XSL=xsl_pages%2fpublic_news_individual.xsl | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> His supporters protest at perceived injustice or deplore the death penalty in his and other cases, and encompass prominent American labor unions and congresses;<ref>{{cite press release | title=San Francisco [[ILWU]] Local 10 Executive Board Resolution - Support for April 24, 1999 demonstrations in favor of the cause of Mumia Abu-Jamal (also describing support of other named labor union groups) | publisher=[[ILWU]] | date=[[February 9]], [[1999]] | url=http://www.geocities.com/capitolhill/8425/unionmumia.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | title=Service Employees International Union (SEIU) voted without dissent to demand justice for Mumia Abu-Jamal | publisher =International Convention of the [[SEIU]] | date =1999 | url=http://www.iacenter.org/polprisoners/maj_seiu.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}} </ref><ref>{{cite press release | title=Formal resolution "support(ing) a new, fair trial for activist Mumia Abu-Jamal" | publisher=[[APWU]] | date=[[July 26]], [[2000]] | url=http://www.apwu.org/news/nsb/2000/nsb13-conv03-2000-072600.htm | accessdate=2007-10-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | title=California Labor Federation defends Mumia - support for the "Labor for Mumia" Campaign | publisher=California Labor Federation, [[AFL-CIO]] | date=[[July 18]], [[2000]] | url=http://www.agrnews.org/issues/80/nationalnews.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> endorsees of the [[Partisan Defense Committee]]'s campaign;<ref>{{cite web | title=Partial list of individuals, labor organizations, and other groups which have signed the Partisan Defense Committee's Demand for the Immediate Freedom of Mumia Abu-Jamal | publisher=[[Partisan Defense Committee]] | date=[[October 1]], [[2007]] | url=http://www.partisandefense.org/campaigns/signers.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> US and foreign city governments;<ref>{{cite press release | title=Resolution urging a new trial for Mumia Abu-Jamal | publisher=[[San Francisco Board of Supervisors]] | date=[[January 11]], [[2005]] | url=http://www.sfgov.org/site/uploadedfiles/bdsupvrs/resolutions05/r0052-05.pdf | format=pdf | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> politicians;<ref name="parl"/> advocates;<ref>{{cite paper | author=Elijah, Jill Soffiyah | title=Brief of [[Amicus Curiae|Amici Curiae]] National Lawyers Guild, National Conference of Black Lawyers, International Association of Democratic Lawyers et al in support of Mumia Abu Jamal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit | publisher=[[National Lawyers Guild]] | date=[[July 26]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.nlg.org/news/statements/amici_nlgMumia2006.pdf | format=pdf | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> educators;<ref>{{cite web | title=Educators for Mumia Abu-Jamal website | publisher=Educators for Mumia Abu-Jamal | url=http://www.emajonline.com/ | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> the [[NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund]];<ref name="naacp"/> human rights advocacy organizations such as [[Human Rights Watch]]<ref>{{cite paper | author=Human Rights Watch | title=United States 1996 country report - citing advocacy on behalf of Mumia Abu-Jamal to the Governor of Pennsylvania and the Superintendent of Waynesburg State Correctional Institution in 1995 | version=From World Report 1996 | publisher=Human Rights Watch | date=1996 | url=http://www.hrw.org/reports/1996/WR96/Back.htm | accessdate=2008-01-22}} </ref> and Amnesty International.<ref name="amn"/>; and celebrities, such as the rock band [[Rage Against the Machine]]. ===Honors and controversy=== {{seealso|Anti-French sentiment in the United States#Mumia Abu-Jamal}} Abu-Jamal has been made an honorary citizen of about 25 cities around the world, including [[Paris]], [[Montreal]] and [[Palermo]].<ref name="humanite">{{cite news | last=Ceïbe | first=Cathy | coauthors=Patrick Bolland (translator) | title=USA Sues Paris: From Death Row, Mumia Stirs Up More Controversy | language=English, translated from French | publisher=[[L'Humanité]] | date=[[November 13]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.humaniteinenglish.com/article423.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> In 2001, he received the biannual [[Lübeck]] [[Erich Mühsam]] Prize, awarded by Frank-Thomas Gaulin of Kunsthaus Lübeck, for special commitment to human rights.<ref>{{cite news | title=Innocent in the Death Cell? | work=Kultur Magazine | language=German | publisher=[[Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk]] | date=[[May 27]], [[2001]] | url=http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=de%7Cen&u=http://web.archive.org/web/20011121044405/www.mdr.de/kulturreport/thema1.html&prev=/language_tools | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> In October 2002, he was conferred honorary membership of the [[Berlin]]-based Association of Those Persecuted by the Nazi Regime - Federation of Antifascists and Antifascist Groups (VVN-BdA).<ref>{{cite news | title=With United Power Forward | language=German | publisher=[[junge Welt]] | date=[[October 7]], [[2002]] | url=http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mumia.de%2Fdoc%2Faktuell%2F20021031mde00de.html&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> On [[April 29]], [[2006]], a newly-paved road in the Parisian suburb of [[St Denis]] was named ''Rue Mumia Abu-Jamal'' in his honor.<ref>{{cite news | last=Simons | first=Stefan | title=Paris Street for Mumia Abu-Jamal Sparks Trans-Atlantic Row | language=English | publisher=[[Der Spiegel]] | date=[[June 29]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,423872,00.html | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> In protest of the street-naming, [[United States House of Representatives|US Congressman]] [[Mike Fitzpatrick|Michael Fitzpatrick]] ([[United States Republican Party|R]]-[[Pennsylvania|PA]]) and [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[Rick Santorum]] ([[United States Republican Party|R]]-[[Pennsylvania|PA]]) introduced resolutions in both [[United States Congress|Houses of Congress]] condemning the action.<ref>{{cite web | title=HR 407, [[109th US Congress]] | publisher=GovTrack.us | date=[[May 19]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=hc109-407 | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=SR 102, 109th US Congress |publisher=GovTrack.us | date =[[June 15]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=sc109-102 | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> The House of Representatives voted 368–31 in favor of the resolution.<ref>{{cite web | title=HR 1082, 109th US Congress | publisher=GovTrack.us | date=[[December 6]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=hr109-1082 | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> In December 2006, the 25th anniversary of the murder, the executive committee of the [[Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania|Republican Party]] for the 59th Ward of the City of Philadelphia (covering approximately [[Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Germantown, Philadelphia]]), filed two criminal complaints in the [[French legal system]] against [[Paris#Administration|the city of Paris]] and the city of Saint-Denis citing the wrong of those municipalities' actions in "glorifying" Abu-Jamal and alleging the offense "apology or denial of crime" in respect of their actions.<ref name="humanite" /><ref>{{cite press release | title=59th Republican Ward Executive Committee Files Criminal Charges Against Cities of Paris and Suburb for 'Glorifying' Infamous Philadelphia Cop-Killer | publisher=59th Republican Ward Executive Committee - City of Philadelphia | date=[[December 11]], [[2006]] | url=http://www.politicspa.com/pressreleasedetailed.asp?id=7501 | accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> == See also == {{portalpar|Philadelphia|Libertybell alone small.jpg}} * [[Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996]] == References == === Footnotes === {{reflist|2}} === Sources and further reading === {{refbegin}} *Abu-Jamal, Mumia. **''Live from Death Row''. HarperTrade, 1996. ISBN 978-0-380-72766-7 **''Ich Schreibe um zu Leben. Zeugnisse eines zum Tode Verurteilten'' (I Write to live. Testimonies of a Person Sentenced to Death). Atlantik ([[Bremen]]), 1997. ISBN 978-3-926529-20-6 **''All Things Censored''. [[Seven Stories Press]], 2000. ISBN 978-1-58322-022-1 **''Das Imperium kennt kein Gesetz'' (The Empire Knows No Law). Atlantik (Bremen), 2002. ISBN 978-3-926529-59-6 **''Death Blossoms: Reflections from a Prisoner of Conscience''. [[South End Press]], 2003. ISBN 978-0-89608-699-9 **''Faith of Our Fathers: An Examination of the Spiritual Life of African and African-American People''. Africa World Press, 2003. ISBN 978-1-59221-019-0 **''We Want Freedom: A Life in the Black Panther Party''. South End Press, 2004. ISBN 978-0-89608-718-7 *Amnesty International. ''The Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal: A Life in the Balance (Open Media Pamphlet Series)''. Open Media, 2001. ISBN 978-1-58322-081-8 *Bisson, Terry ''On a Move: The Story of Mumia Abu-Jamal''. Litmus Books, 2000. ISBN 978-0-87486-901-9 *Faulkner, Maureen; Smerconish, Michael A. ''Murdered by Mumia: A Life Sentence of Loss, Pain, and Injustice''. The Lyons Press, 2007. ISBN 978-1-59921-376-7 *Hayden, John. ''Mumia Abu Jamal: The Patron Saint of American Cop Killers''. iUniverse, 2006. ISBN 978-0-595-38474-7 *Lindorff, David. ''Killing Time''. Common Courage Press, 2002. ISBN 978-1-56751-228-1 *Schiffmann, Michael. ''Wettlauf Gegen Den Todd. Mumia Abu-Jamal: Ein Schwarzer Revolutionär im Weiβen Amerika'' (Race Against Death. Mumia Abu-Jamal: A Black Revolutionary in White America). Promedia, 2006. ISBN 978-3-85371-258-0 *[[Leonard Weinglass|Weinglass, Leonard]]. ''Race for Justice: Mumia Abu-Jamal's Fight Against the Death Penalty''. Common Courage Press, 1995. ISBN 978-1-56751-070-6 *Williams, Daniel R. ''Executing Justice: An Inside Account of the Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal''. [[St. Martin's Press]], 2002. ISBN 978-0-375-76124-9 {{refend}} == External links == {{Spoken Wikipedia-3|2007-10-26|MAJ - 26 Oct - Part 1a.ogg‎|MAJ - 26 Oct 07 - Part 1b.ogg‎|MAJ - 26 Oct 07 - Part 2.ogg‎}} {{wikiquote}} {{commons}} ;Video * [http://www.workers.org/2007/us/pvn/ 1996 video of death row visitation interview with Mumia Abu-Jamal] ;Archived writings and news * [http://prisonradio.org/mumia.htm Archived files of Mumia Abu Jamal's essays composed and read from his prison cell] * [http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/botswana/509/inqarticles/inquirer-index.htm Collection of ''Philadelphia Inquirer'' articles about the Mumia Abu-Jamal case 1981–1998] * [http://phillyimc.org/en/static/mumia.shtml ''Philadelphia Independent Media Centre'' Mumia Abu-Jamal page] ;Supporter groups * [http://www.freemumia.com Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (NYC)] * [http://www.partisandefense.org/campaigns/index.html Partisan Defense Committee] * [http://www.fop.net/causes/faulkner/projamal.shtml A list of supporters of Mumia Abu-Jamal maintained by the Fraternal Order of Police] ;Opponent groups * [http://www.fop.net/causes/faulkner/info.shtml Fraternal Order of Police news, press releases, and communications relating to Mumia Abu-Jamal] * [http://danielfaulkner.com/ Justice For Daniel Faulkner] <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] --> {{featured article}} {{Persondata |NAME = Abu-Jamal, Mumia |ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Cook, Wesley; X, Mumia; Mumia, Wes |SHORT DESCRIPTION = Prisoner, Journalist, Broadcaster, Author, Activist |DATE OF BIRTH = [[April 24]], [[1954]] |PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] |DATE OF DEATH = |PLACE OF DEATH = }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Abu-Jamal, Mumia}} [[Category:1954 births]] [[Category:African American writers]] [[Category:American columnists]] [[Category:American newspaper reporters and correspondents]] [[Category:American political writers]] [[Category:American prisoners and detainees]] [[Category:American radio reporters and correspondents]] [[Category:Americans convicted of murder]] [[Category:Black Panther Party members]] [[Category:California State University alumni]] [[Category:COINTELPRO targets]] [[Category:Franco-American relations]] [[Category:Goddard College alumni]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Marxist journalists]] [[Category:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[Category:Philadelphia writers]] [[Category:American prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment]] [[Category:American prisoners sentenced to death]] [[Category:Prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment by Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Prisoners sentenced to death by Pennsylvania]] [[Category:American anti-death penalty activists]] [[de:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[es:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[eo:Mumia Abu Jamal]] [[eu:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[fr:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[gl:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[it:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[nl:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[ja:ムミア・アブ・ジャマール]] [[no:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[pl:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[pt:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[simple:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[sr:Mumija Abu-Džamal]] [[sh:Mumia Abu-Jamal]] [[sv:Mumia Abu-Jamal]]