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7-12-99 The issue/case of Mumia Abu-Jamal was first brought to my attention by a MTV story on the awesome anarchistic band, "Rage Against The Machine". It said that RATM was one of the biggest advocates of the freedom of Mumia Abu-Jamal...a man many claim is a political prisoner. Since then (approximately 1 year ago), I've done a small amount of research on the subject but it's always been in the back of my mind. Tonight, 20/20, on the American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), did a 15 minutes piece on the subject and gave me and all of the other viewers some VERY interesting information and insight into the case.
Mumia Abu-Jamal was convicted of killing a Philidelphia police officer 17 years ago. The jury also gave Abu-Jamal the death penalty even though Abu-Jamal had no previous criminal record. Since his conviction, he has acquired an international movement urging local, state, federal and international governments to free Abu-Jamal and he has been labeled a political prisoner. He may seem like a victimized lamb, but he has a "revolutionary" past. He was a founding member of a Philidelphia Black Panthers chapter, and a known-supporter of revolutionary (violent and peaceful) movements against the government and political officials.
After hearing the many, many different stories about Abu-Jamal, the case, the people involved in the case, and the evidence, I believe Mumia Abu-Jamal is guilty of the charge brought against him. However, I do not believe the death penalty was adequately administered as punishment for a person with no previous criminal record...perhaps a new trial is in order.