BY JOHN STAGGS
PHILADELPHIA - Supporters of death-row inmate Mumia Abu-
Jamal are planning a demonstration outside city hall here
September 11 as the hearings for a new trial resume. The
action will take place at 15th and Market streets at 9 a.m.
Although Abu-Jamal's execution date has been stayed by the court, the death sentence still hangs over his head. In the meantime the government of Pennsylvania is pushing ahead on the sentences of other death row inmates.
Gov. Tom Ridge has signed 18 death warrants since taking office in January. The first to be executed was Keith Zettlemoyer May 2. He was the first death row prisoner executed in 33 years in the state.
On August 16, Leon Moser was put to death. Moser's execution had been scheduled for August 15, but a stay was granted so he could be tested for mental competence. The U.S. Supreme Court brushed aside last minute appeals.
Supporters of a new trial and for the lifting of the death sentence for Abu-Jamal are being urged to build the September 11 demonstration in order to stop the authorities from carrying out another legal murder.
The British Broadcasting Corp. recently produced a video about Abu-Jamal's trial that can be used to build support for his case. For information about the September 11 demonstration and about obtaining a copy of the video call the International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu- Jamal at (215) 476-8812 or write PO Box 19709, Philadelphia, PA 19143.