Mumia Abu Jamal

Proposed resolution submitted by the Florida District to the National Convention of the Communist Party USA

WHEREAS: Mumia Abu Jamal, who at 15 was a member of the Black Panther Party, and at 25 a respected radio journalist who had won a Peabody Award for his coverage of the Pope's visit;

WHEREAS: Mumia has been on Pennsylvania's Death Row for 19 years, following conviction for the murder of a policeman in December of 1981, in a trial that can only be termed a travesty of justice;

WHEREAS: Mumia was not permitted to defend himself but was given an incompetent attorney who was later disbarred,;

WHEREAS: Mumia was tried by an all-white jury;

WHEREAS: The presiding judge in this case has sentenced more people (all but two, people of color) to death than any other sitting judge;

WHEREAS: Key trial witnesses were coerced by the police into giving false testimony and even later admitted they had lied;

WHEREAS: The policeman was shot with a .38 calibre gun and Mumia's legally licensed gun was a .40 calibre;

WHEREAS: Over the years, an international movement had developed which has clamored for a new and fair trial for Mumia;

WHEREAS: Several sectors of the Labor Movement have voiced their support for a new trial;

WHEREAS: There is more than sufficient evidence to warrant setting aside his conviction and calling for a new trial;

WHEREAS: Pennsylvania Governor Ridge has already signed a new death warrant against Mumia;

WHEREAS: Mumia's attorneys have filed a habeas corpus petition in Federal District Court and the Federal judge issued a stay of execution while that petition is being considered; and

INSOFAR AS: This case demonstrates the US Administration's systematic criminalization of Afro-American men and other people of color;

BE IT RESOLVED That we urge the National Convention of the Communist Party USA to join the national and international movement in the demand of a new, fair and impartial trial for Mumia.

Signed: Florida State Convention, Tampa, April 28, 2001