Protesters say: ‘Make July 3 Mumia Liberation Day!’

A 24-hour occupation at Philadelphia City Hall’s Octavius Catto Memorial was held June 29-30 to call on the city of Philadelphia to designate July 3 as “Mumia Liberation Day,” almost 44 years to the day the political prisoner was unjustly sentenced to death in 1982.

A coalition of community organizations and advocates organized the public gathering, featuring speakers from a range of backgrounds, including activists, educators, physicians and former New York City Councillor Charles Barron.

Coalition members state that Mumia Abu-Jamal’s case has remained the subject of public debate for more than four decades. Supporters contend that his conviction was unfairly won through police misconduct, prosecutorial bias, judicial bias and other procedural irregularities. They are urging city leaders to acknowledge those concerns through a public proclamation and renewed dialogue on the historical role of the death penalty in Philadelphia.

The coalition also points to concerns raised by legal advocates and human rights organizations regarding Abu-Jamal’s medical care and conditions of confinement. According to organizers, these concerns include inadequate treatment for chronic medical conditions, extended periods of solitary confinement and broader questions about the care provided to elderly incarcerated individuals.

Speakers called on city officials to recognize the continuing significance of Abu-Jamal’s case, demanding justice, transparency, accountability and improved treatment of incarcerated people.

  – Report and photos by Joe Piette