PHILADELPHIA
MOVE 9 fight for a new trial
By Greg
Butterfield
The eight surviving members of the MOVE 9 filed court papers
on July 8 in Philadelphia seeking a new trial. The eight--Chuck
Africa, Debbie Africa, Delbert Africa, Edward Africa, Janet
Africa, Janine Africa, Mike Africa and Phil Africa--have spent
nearly two decades behind bars, convicted of killing Police
Officer James J. Ramp during a 1978 police assault on a MOVE
house. All are serving sentences ranging from 30 to 100
years.
Supporters call the MOVE 9 political prisoners who were
targeted for daring to advocate Black armed self-defense during
Frank Rizzo's reign as mayor of Philadelphia.
Merle Africa, the ninth member, died in prison last year
under mysterious circumstances. Mumia Abu-Jamal and others have
called for an independent investigation into her death.
At a news conference after filing papers in Common Pleas
Court, attorney Paul J. Hetznecker said, "The trial was a
travesty of justice. The result cannot be just if the process
of trial is unjust." He said the judge, Edwin Malmed, "acted as
an advocate for the prosecution."
Hetznecker said the nine defendants, who were representing
themselves, were illegally removed from the courtroom. They
were saddled with ineffective court-appointed lawyers.
Ramona Africa, spokesperson for the MOVE Organization, said
prosecutors withheld vital evidence, including a February 1977
secret memo outlining plans for a police attack to "eradicate
MOVE."
On June 28, police staged a provocation outside the MOVE
house at 4504-06 Kingsessing Ave. The cops invaded MOVE
property, claiming to be chasing two suspects. MOVE supporters
have reiterated their self-defense stance, recalling the brutal
1985 police bombing of a MOVE house that killed nine people,
including children.
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