Vol.63/No.36 October 18, 1999
Top court denies hearing for Abu-Jamal
BY CANDACE WAGNER
PHILADELPHIA — The United States Supreme Court refused without comment October 4 to consider the appeal of journalist and Black rights activist Mumia Abu-Jamal. That appeal was based on the denial of a fair trial. Abu-Jamal was sentenced to death in 1982, accused of killing Philadelphia policeman Daniel Faulkner. His fight for a new trial has gained international support.
Following the Court's announcement, Pennsylvania governor Thomas Ridge stated that he would set an execution date within 30 days.
Abu-Jamal's lawyers, Daniel Williams and Leonard Weinglass, plan to file an appeal in federal court soon.
Fifty supporters of Abu-Jamal rallied at the State Office Building in Philadelphia the day following the announcement. Some held placards reading, "Honk for Mumia" to afternoon rush hour, and many motorists, bus, and truck drivers responded noisily.
The Fraternal Order of Police and Maureen Faulkner, the cop's widow, have recently mounted a stepped-up campaign to demand Abu-Jamal's execution. This includes a highway billboard with a photo of Faulkner that includes the web site address for the "Justice for Police Officer Daniel Faulkner" committee.
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