Abu-Jamal case moves forward, protesters rally

Political activists demanding that Mumia Abu-Jamal be granted a new trial rallied at the Federal Building on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Liberty Street last night.

Abu-Jamal was convicted of killing a Philadelphia police officer in 1982 and is now serving out his term on death row. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge signed Abu-Jamal's death warrant Wednesday.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Abu-Jamal on Oct. 4.

"I think the evidence is overwhelming that Mumia is innocent," said Abby Schlaff, an Ann Arbor resident participating in the demonstration. "It's scary that the state of Pennsylvania is prepared to execute an innocent man," she said.

Schlaff also said she felt the case has a wider impact on moral issues in the justice system.

DAVID ROCHKIND/Daily Four-year-old Shanice Weems holds a "Free Mumia" flag in front of LSA junior Andy Cornell. The rally for the convicted Mumia Abu-Jamal was held yesterday in downtown Ann Arbor.

"If they're willing to go that far," Schlaff said, "I don't think that any of us are safe."

Since Abu-Jamal's arrest, activists around the world have worked to free him, claiming he was framed and did not commit the crime.

"I think a mass movement is very important in forcing the courts to do the right thing," said Jane Cutter, a University graduate student. "We have to build this movement to show the support for Mumia."

Nearly 30 protesters displayed "Free Mumia" signs, chanted and passed out fliers advocating their cause. Schlaff, amid chanting students and community members, played on a bongo drum in an effort to keep the protesters spirits' in a positive mood.

Several campus and local groups organized and advocated the protest, among them the Anti-Racist Action and the Free Mumia movement. Members of these groups plan to attend a protest in Philadelphia later this month.

of these groups plan to attend a protest in Philadelphia later this month.

"We hope to raise attention to the issue here to build and raise more action around it," said Micah Holquist, an LSA senior and an ARA member.

Protesters ranged from high school students to 67-year-old Lee Booth, who lives in Ypsilanti and carried a sign at the demonstration. "I can see that people who care about justice and righteousness are not wanted in this country," she said.

Many protesters believe that Mumia's case goes far beyond the life of one man.

"I think it's broader than the Mumia issue," said Jim Lupton, a University physics lecturer. "There's a lack of understanding as to what government is doing in regards to moral issues," he said.

He added, "I'm trying to set an example and get people interested in what's going on."

10-15-99