Image

3:38 AM / Wednesday February 19, 2025

14 Nov 2010

Reporters Without Borders is asking for a new sentencing hearing in Mumia Abu-Jamal’s case

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
November 14, 2010 Category: Local Posted by:

Reporters Without Borders is asking the Federal Appeals Court in Philadelphia to consider granting journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal a new penalty case in the wake of a review by the court last Tuesday, on instructions from the Supreme Court. The Court heard arguments on a legal technicality in the death sentence imposed on Mumia in 1982 for the murder of a police officer Daniel Faulkner.

 

“The step taken by the federal court was already encouraging. We now ask the judges to consider a new sentencing hearing and to respect the rule of law in the ‘world’s leading democracy'”, the organization said.”The world is watching. We are still convinced that Mumia Abu-Jamal did not have a fair trial.”

 

Abu-Jamal’s lawyer Judith Ritter, was pleased with the outcome of the hearing “The law is very strongly on our side,” Ritter said. Lydia Barashango, Abu-Jamal’s sister, who also attended the hearing, told Reporters Without Borders, “I am not impressed. But it can make a big difference if they rule right. It can mean life for Mumia. I hope it does not come out that he will live in prison for life, but he will live.”

 

Abu-Jamal, journalist, former president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and a one-time Black Panther, was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Police Officer Daniel Faulkner in Philadelphia on December 9, 1981. As a reporter, Abu-Jamal became known as “the Voice of the Voiceless.” At the time of his conviction, he was driving a cab, and been dismissed by area radio stations for attempting to broadcast statements issued by the MOVE organization.

 

In 2008, a federal appeals court ruled in Abu-Jamal’s favor saying that the jury instructions given at his trial back in 1982 were flawed. The decision nullified Abu-Jamal’s death sentence and granted him a new sentencing hearing.

 

However, the Supreme Court this year upheld a death sentence in an Ohio case with similar jury issues, and ordered the Philadelphia court to revisit Abu-Jamal’s ruling. According to Judith Ritter, who argued the case on Nov. 9. ” The two cases are very different”. She also told the panel of three judges regarding the death sentence: “I don’t see how this case is related to my client.”

 

Reporters Without Borders, an international press freedom organization, strongly supports the international petition submitted by defenders of journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal, who has already spent half of his life on death row.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Leave a Comment

Recent News

Color Of Money

Pennsylvania governor seeks more money for schools and transit, but relies heavily on surplus cash

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email Governor Josh Shapiro presents his 2025-26 budget proposal to the Pa. General Assembly, as...

Seniors

How Type 2 inflammation contributes to asthma, COPD, and allergic conditions

February 3, 2025

Share Tweet Email BPT Do you live with persistent, moderate-to-severe asthma, COPD, allergies, eczema or hives? Inflammation...

SUNrise

cj speaks…Celebrating in forgiveness for Black History Month

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email By cj “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and...

Week In Review

NFL- Super Bowl LIX pop-up shops showcase fashion for Philadelphia Eagles fans and highlight Black designers in New Orleans

February 18, 2025

Share Tweet Email Origins: An NFL Collection – Retail Pop-up for Super Bowl LIXPhoto credit: Shara Talia...

Commentary

Guest Commentary: The ball’s in our court — who will lead?

February 16, 2025

Share Tweet Email Community advocates and Black Lives Matter advocates gather for a news conference outside Target...

Health

What you need to know about glaucoma

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURES More than 4.2 million Americans live with glaucoma, a leading cause of...

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Staff