​Activists demand release of Mumia Abu-Jamal as he suffers COVID-19 symptoms​

Philadelphia, March 1 (RHC)-- In the U.S., supporters of renowned political prisoner and journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal gathered across from City Hall in Philadelphia to demand the release of Mumia Abu-Jamal.  

According to reports, the 67-year-old Black activist has started experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and needs proper medical treatment.  

During a phone interview, MOVE activist Pam Africa said prison officials deny Mumia has COVID-19, but he believes that is the obvious explanation for his symptoms.  “His breathing is challenging, and he’s afraid his lungs will be compromised,” Africa said. 

In an announcement on Twitter, rally organizers called for not only the release of Abu-Jamal but all inmates older than 50 and any who are “medically vulnerable.”  

Abu-Jamal’s supporters have long demanded freedom for him.  He lived under a death sentence for two decades after he was unjustly convicted of killing a Philadelphia police officer.  That sentence was overturned by a judge in 2001.  Now Mumia Abu-Jamal is serving a life sentence without parole. 

Despite Mumia Abu-Jamal’s conviction and numerous failed appeals, his supporters maintain that he is not guilty and that his trial was tainted by racism and corruption.