Mumia Abu-Jamal Moved Into General Prison Population

PHILADELPHIA -- Former death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal has been moved into the general prison population for the first time since his arrest in a Philadelphia police officer's murder three decades ago.

Law professor Judith L. Ritter, who represented Abu-Jamal in recent appeals, calls it "a very important moment for him, his family and all of his supporters."

Abu-Jamal was sentenced to death for the 1981 murder of Officer Daniel Faulkner. Prosecutors agreed to a life term after a federal appeals court ordered a new sentencing hearing, citing flawed jury instructions.

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Comments

[RKahendi]

12:02 AM on 02/05/2012

I've been following Abu-Jamal's story with interest. I wonder what will happen next.

[rpbusmc]

04:26 PM on 02/04/2012

What purpose does Black Voices serve? It appears there are more non- Blacks posting on here.

[bahamabea1]

12:39 AM on 02/04/2012

I am happy to hear that Mr. Mumia Abu Jamal has been taken off of Death Row, but I would like to know when He be released from prison??? He is should have been released many years ago, as the whole world knows those charges were 'completely and totally 'bogus'!! I pray that the 'right' thing will be done and Brother Mumia can come home, finally1 God bless you Bro. Mumia and your family.
Always, your sistah in spirit, Bea

[rubbish379]

08:39 AM on 02/04/2012

Have you been presented all the facts on this case?

[SOHOROCKS66]

01:13 PM on 02/04/2012

rubbish379, a cursory review of the court transcripts from the sentencing proceedings and even a review of Mumia Abdu-Jamal's official website and credible links on his Wikipedia page (footnotes # 46, 47, 68, 69) will reveal that all the available facts and have not been disclosed by either Abdu-Jamal, his brother and the Free Abdul-Jamal committee. Of special interest are the revealing sworn affidavits of Abdu-Jamal and his brother regarding their recollections of their actions immediately prior to and during the police traffic stop that ended in the police officer's death and Abdul-Jamal suffering a serious gunshot wound and later being arrested. Both affidavits raise troubling questions about whether Abdl-Jamal was aware and deeply concerned about his younger brother's possible involvement in some nefarious (criminal) activity.

[Tonydeeee]

11:49 PM on 02/02/2012

While I don't agree with the political philosophy or methods of achieving equality that the Black Panthers employed it is important that all understand this period of American history and understand the origins of the Black Panthers, the circumstances that gave rise to this movement, and how it impacted that period. Saying it is a hate group doesn't add much depth to the the discussion and for the sake of understanding requires futher reading.

[JonB2057]

09:56 PM on 02/04/2012

"While I don't agree with the political philosophy or methods of achieving equality that the Black Panthers employed"

What was wrong about their "philosophy of achieving equality"???

[Arturo Ramrez]

12:43 AM on 02/06/2012

I think he meant "methods for achieving equality"?

[jack Winn]

02:31 AM on 02/06/2012

Sidebar: "equality" has 2 meanings - (1) a mathematical identity, and (2) satisfaction with the social relations among humans.

Since few humans are mathematical identities, the term is for all intents and purposes nothing more or less a signal of satisfaction or not.

Given that lifeforms are generally not satisfied, and often feed off each other, conflict seems more or less inevitable, it's probably more direct to ask exactly what is the (perceived) problem, and consider the possible consequences and alternatives. If the zebras don't like the lions chowing down on them, it's going to be a long & pointless discussion.

Without having the record in any of these cases, I would contend that a mere simple challenge to existing authority or status quo does not prove any kind of equity or justice. IOW, there's always some idiot willing to try anything.

[NativeHorn]

08:02 PM on 02/02/2012

The man is guilty, but this legal back and forth has cost several million dollars. I bet he's happy now because he can finally have a boyfriend.

[nyteryda]

09:16 PM on 02/03/2012

Nativehorn,How are you so sure that he is guilty? If he is guilty then why did they move him into the GPP?

[nyteryda]

09:20 PM on 02/03/2012

NativeHorn,How are you so sure? They moved him to the GPP,didn't they?

[NativeHorn]

08:28 AM on 02/04/2012

Are you serious? Didn't they just pardon 4 murderers in Mississippi? If they were guilty, why were they pardoned? If Casey Anthony killed Caylee, why was she acquitted?
Mumia is probably cuddled up with his new man right now, figuring out how many tricks he can turn to get his boyfriend some cigarettes lol

[Matthew Sorg]

02:33 PM on 02/02/2012

I grew up during the 60's and 70's amid prejudice, the riots, the Black Panther movement and all the horrendous things that came with it. Police corruption was rampant then and is still to this day. I live in Springfield, Ga., a small southern town. If you know the right people your life is great. No matter what color, you can commit crimes and not be punished. If you are not lucky enough to have friends in high places, not have the right last name or related to someone who does, have the money to pay your way out of trouble, life can be Hell! We do have some outstanding officers who are kind, compassionate and who do not let wearing a badge make them feel superior. Much the same as the color of your skin does not demonstrate the kind of person you are, a badge does not make you an honest, trustworthy person, Nor does it make you better than the person you might have arrested.
I don't know if Mumia is guilty or not of this particular crime, but do know that a lot of people were killed during that time because a person just happened to be white. Even though I understood their movement at the time, they too punished innocent people because of the color of their skin.

[Tonydeeee]

11:57 PM on 02/02/2012

Yes. Your point is well taken. There were crimes commited against Whites by the Black Panthers in retaliation for things that they had nothing to do with and that is the blindness of rage when good people are harmed by people seeking to change the system that is unfair. Matthew you are so right about having friends in high places and money. Trust me. You are so rightt. Best Wishes

[Matthew Sorg]

02:09 PM on 02/02/2012

I'm a 61 yr old white female, grew up in small Indiana town. I was not raised w/ prejudice against anyone but was well aware of feelings other had. Never liked it then and don't like it now. Raised 3 sons and our home was always open to everyone, as long as you did not cause harm to others. Moved to the south in 1976 and saw what real prejudice was. And it works both ways! Never expected to be treated badly just because I was white, But I was. Don't know if Mumia is guilty or not but also know we shouldn't judge a person by skin color, race or sexual preferences. SOME White people treated many races as inferior for centuries, but I did NOT and resent that I was judged simply because of the color of my skin.
Police brutality is not limited to only those of darker skin. Nor is police corruption. Discrimination is not limited to just white against black, it goes both ways. I lived during the time of the Black Panthers and understand their movement, but NEVER understood the violence perpetrated against individuals just because they were white. Much of their violence was taken out on innocent people, which makes them NO better than the whites who mistreated their people!

[megandvc]

03:10 PM on 02/02/2012

Beautifully stated and I love your honesty, I am the wife of a Police Officer and he is an honest, caring, hard working man. I get angry when people automatically assume police are corrupt. I think your statement touched on the truth, that yes, there was and is police corruption but it is not tolerated anymore. And neither is racism. I fanned you for this post, and look forward to reading more from you. This is HP and it is rare to see someone not be completely one sided and filled with hate.

[MonikaMagick]

08:49 AM on 02/03/2012

I am glad to know that there are at least some good police officers out there. Please thank your husband for me for his service. I would also ask that you encourage him to speak out against the practices that turn the community against police officers. Citizens expect that some cops will be bad apples -- you can't screen out all of them. But what really upsets us is when other cops cover up for them. As far as the case in this article goes, I don't know if he did it or not, but I do believe that murdering a police officer is a heinous offence. I hope your husband is always safe and that you have many happy years together.

[Matthew Sorg]

10:54 AM on 02/05/2012

Megan, this is Lynda. I can proudly say that I hold no hatred towards anyone, only the actions of some. There is always two sides to a story, just as there is good and bad. We as individuls make a choice. We are blessed with many good, caring and honest police officers. Some put on a badge and believe they are better than others. We should not judge all because of the bad ones. I see that you are very proud of your husband and pray that he stays safe.

[nyteryda]

09:47 PM on 02/03/2012

Greetings Matt sorg. I do understand where you are coming from But while I am writing, there are tensions in the Bronx, It appears that a number of police officers have kicked,sticked and punched a 19 yr old man because he was selling drugs. the were hitting him while he was on the ground . Also in the news, an 18 yr old was shot to death for selling drugs. These men are black. When the WTC went down, we all pulled together, both officers and civillian but after the smoke was cleared, we were back to being treated like dogs again.

[Matthew Sorg]

11:15 AM on 02/05/2012

I don't want to judge Mumia in any way, no one knows what he actually did or did not do. My name is Lynda, Matt Sorg's mother, and I grew up in the time of the Black Panther's. I've raised my 3 sons and now my grandchildren to understand the cruelty we, as white people, perpetrated against black people, as well as native americans and other races and try to make them understand how WRONG we were. I want them to judge a person by what is inside not by the color of their skin or what any one else thinks about that person. I've never been a cruel person to any living being and will Never understand or accept the actions of those who are. Police do the same thing where I live in Ga., not just against blacks but just because they have a badge. But not all Police Officers, we have many who fight against the actions of the bad officers they work among. Some people are kind and others have no heart. Kindness and understanding is the easiest thing in the world, some just don't want to try.

[Tonydeeee]

02:32 PM on 02/01/2012

Most of the comments on the blog are from uninformed people who know nothing about the political atmosphere in Philadelphia during this time and some should just pick a book up before making a comment. I was born and raised in Philly and there is nothing anyone can tell me about police brutality and corruption within the department during this time. I don't know if he killed the officer or not but I do know it was open game on Black men and the police department was racist and very abusive towards Black men. This is true. They routinely assaulted people, planted evidence, lied, and broke the law. Pretty common stuff back then and is only a surprise to people who don't know Philly during this period. They beat me until I was unconscious on one occasion, charged me with assault and then took me to the hospital and lied to the staff telling them that I had assaulted an officer. They broke the oath, violated rights, and lied to cover up their crimes routinely. These are facts and many more that I would rather not comment on.

[WARHUKKER]

09:41 PM on 02/01/2012

Noe of this is germaine to whether Mumia is guilty or not,his case has been looked at an appealed by the best ACLU lawyers in the country,no doubt that he is guilty.

[Ken Taharka]

02:07 AM on 02/02/2012

thats what they said about Geronimo Pratt for 27 years, until his murder conviction was overturned by the Ca. Supreme court thanks to the hard work Johny Cochran. Pratt a BPP member was under surveilance by the feds at the time of the murder, the fbi withheld that exculpatory info for many years.

[JonB2057]

10:12 PM on 02/04/2012

"Matthew Sorg

02:09 PM on 02/02/2012
I'm a 61 yr old white female, grew up in small Indiana town. I was not raised w/ prejudice against anyone but was well aware of feelings other had. Never liked it then and don't like it now. Raised 3 sons and our home was always open to everyone, as long as you did not cause harm to others. And it works both ways! Never expected to be treated badly just because I was white, But I was. Don't know if Mumia is guilty or not but also know we shouldn't judge a person by skin color, race or sexual preference­s. SOME White people treated many races as inferior for centuries, but I did NOT and resent that I was judged simply because of the color of my skin.
Police brutality is not limited to only those of darker skin. Nor is police corruption­. Discrimina­tion is not limited to just white against black, it goes both ways. I lived during the time of the Black Panthers and understand their movement, but NEVER understood the violence perpetrate­d against individual­s just because they were white. Much of their violence was taken out on innocent people, which makes them NO better than the whites who mistreated their people!"

This post has nothing to do with Mumia Abu-Jamal either. Why not respond to the post made by this "so-called 61 years old "White" female??

[Bystander]

01:38 PM on 02/02/2012

" I don't know if he killed the officer or not..." The jury settled that when he was convicted. So, assuming he is guilty of the murder, what, if anything, would you do with him at this point?

[Tonydeeee]

01:57 PM on 02/02/2012

Not for me to make that judgement. Death Row inmates are given great latitude in the appeals process because it is your life and there are many cases across the country where after DNA evidence was presented people released or had the sentences commuted to life. Do you honestly believe that a justice system such as in a state like Texas is fair and impartial with regard to Black men? However, to answer your question. It is not for me to decide what to do with him. I don't know if he killed the officer at the time, but I do know what it was like to a Black man in Philly during that period and have the injuries to prove it.

[jrleftfoot]

07:14 PM on 02/02/2012

No, the jury didn`t settle that. Where have you been? I guess you were doing your Rip Van Winkle imitation when scores of poor souls who were falsely convicted by juries ,and who exhausted their Appeals to no avail ,were exonerated( one of them posthumously while residing on Death Row) by DNA and other scientific evidence over the course of the last decade or so.I expect you`re one of that crowd that value "judicial finality "over actual justice.

[Tonydeeee]

02:03 PM on 02/01/2012

If you lived in Philadelphia during the time of his arrest, as I did, there is little doubt in your mind that there is a very good chance he is innocent of killing the police officer. If you know anything about the Philadelphia police department under Rizzo you would agree. There was a feeding frenzy of assaults, murders of Black men, planting of evidence, corruption within the force, and a general sense that the rights of Black people didn't matter. I remember many incidents as a teen growing up in Philly during the 70's and 80's but one stands out in my mind more because it was the first time I had seen the face of police brutality up close and personal.
The Black Panthers had a breakfast program fed kids each morning that was several doors from my grandparents home. One morning myself and about 50 or so kids was eating breakfast when loud noise broke out and all of a sudden the room was full of police officers with their guns drawn. There was chaos and they herded the kids, grabbing, pushing, and pulling out of the building telling us to go home. Outside there was countless officers with shot guns and night clubs screaming obscenities at us and pointing guns at the Black Panthers. They forced them to line up along the wall and stripped them naked. They were assaulting them in broad daylight right before my eyes. It never left my mind.

[matt50]

03:06 PM on 02/02/2012

Black Panthers were a militant hate group, who wanted to start a revolutionary war. Philadelphia needs the likes of a Joe Rizzo now.

[jrleftfoot]

07:17 PM on 02/02/2012

Yes, and Birmingham needs another Bull Connor.Ignorance is bliss in Stupidville where you reside.

[Gerald Bowman]

10:59 PM on 02/02/2012

That's deep, man. Thank you for sharing. I have always assumed that Mr. Jamal was the one who pulled the trigger. It is obvious he got an unfair trial, regardless of his guilt or innocence. Our justice system is not about right or wrong. It is about the constitution, the law, and due process. I think that cases like this one are excellent reminders of this truth.

[Tonydeeee]

11:34 PM on 02/02/2012

No doubt. I have a lot of pain inside from some of these events and they linger. Rarely do I speak about these things, but the article compelled me to offer my experiences to make the case that you laid out in your response to me. It is not as simple as right or wrong, guilty or innocent. Godspeed.

[DoctorWhoDat]

11:19 AM on 02/01/2012

Now Mumia will just fade away.

[JohnnyAce Okeke]

10:51 AM on 02/01/2012

Soon this innocent man will be free. {{-_-}}

[Bystander]

01:33 PM on 02/02/2012

When he dies in prison.

[rubbish379]

12:25 PM on 02/03/2012

Did you hear all the facts on this case? If not how can you say he was innocent.

[Mocho Shorter]

10:48 AM on 02/01/2012

BPP member Geronimo Pratt spent 27 years in prison for a murder the FBI knew he didnt committ, yet withheld the info. He was freed by the Ca Supreme court and later awarded 4.5 million dollars. This injustice system is known to be hostile and biased against the poor and minorities. ... If Mumia is guilty he deserved the death penalty, but given the govt history against black political dissidents (findings of the Pike Committee as well as Church committee) there are many innocent black dissidents imprisoned

[Ken Taharka]

02:16 AM on 02/02/2012

I read the church commission report on J edgar Hoover and the fbi assault on black america and against black leaders, their tactics agains black dissidents included assasinations, disinformation, planting evidence, framing etc etc. Hoovers COINTELPRO was responsible for the murder of many black leaders including a 21 year old leader from chicago Fred Hampton. the govt settled a lawsuit for 1.8 million with the Hampton estate. 4.5 million for Geronimo Pratt who they falsely imprisoned for 27 years for a murder they knew he didnt commit. They dont teach these history in the so called black history month

[iuriggs6]

09:27 AM on 02/01/2012

The original verdict should have been enforced years ago.

[boba7576]

09:00 AM on 02/01/2012

Give him a room in the kkk wing .

[Tonydeeee]

02:04 PM on 02/01/2012

You have been in the hills too long.

[boba7576]

08:01 AM on 02/02/2012

Maybe .....
but WE obey the laws and DON'T shoot cops here !

[jrleftfoot]

07:20 PM on 02/02/2012

So you want him for your roommate?Careful what you wish for , bobo.

[Barely There]

11:13 PM on 01/31/2012

man's Law.