Mobilizing to free Mumia Abu-Jamal – San Diego

SLL photo

The San Diego Coalition to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal hosted a meeting on March 11 at the Malcolm X Library to follow up on the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal. 

We are answering the call to show full support for Mumia Abu-Jamal, including educating people about Mumia. Many do not know what is happening with Mumia or practically any cases of political prisoners. 

We understand that the United States continues to claim there are no Political Prisoners, and their job is to push this lie. However, the truth is U.S. jails and prisons are full of political prisoners because private prisons are money-making industries, and to make money, they must keep prisons full.

Look at the number of exonerations in the past 30 years and the overflow of people waiting to have their cases heard by the Innocence Project. The National Registry of Exonerations reported 3,290 known exonerations since 1989, prisoners who spent collectively 29,100 years locked up for crimes they did not commit. 

The U.S. government has paid over $2.9 billion in compensation, but over half of those exonerated received nothing. Black people make up 50% of those exonerated and have the highest number of years lost per exoneration. Mumia will be one of those exonerated, and he deserves to be compensated for being unjustly imprisoned for over 40 years.

Mumia needs our help more than ever. We need to show the world that millions in the United States are fighting for justice for Mumia. We understand that the outcome of this campaign to free Mumia will reflect on what happens to many of our loved ones who find themselves detained or imprisoned in this corrupt criminal justice system. We must understand that an injustice to one of us is an injustice to all.

‘Bearing Witness in the Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal’

While watching the webinar “Bearing Witness in the Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal,” those in the room were shaken by the blatant miscarriage of the law that the speakers laid out in words we all understood. When Johanna Fernandez came to the mic with Mumia’s voice on her cell phone, everyone was in awe listening to Mumia’s voice, LIVE. Mumia thanked everyone who came, and he spoke with a voice vibrant and full of life.

The webinar ended with recently retired Arkansas state Judge Rev. Wendell Griffin’s answer to a simple question, “Can the judge just outright release Mumia?” His response was, “Yes! The judge has the power to declare that his conviction and sentence must be overturned.” View the full webinar on YouTube.

After the video, San Diego Black Panther Party members joined us as we gathered to take a picture in front of the beautiful FREE MUMIA portrait painted by local artivist Mario Torero. Everyone was reminded that it was still time to write a letter to Judge Lucretia Clemons encouraging her to do the right thing – grant Mumia a new trial or release him NOW.

A student from San Diego State University, Roberto Zepeda, who had recently read Mumia’s book “All Things Censored” said he was going to write a letter. We exchanged cell phone numbers, and later that evening, I received a text message with his letter. I emailed his letter to Love Not Phear and received an email response, “Roberto’s letter will be in a package of letters going overnight to Judge Clemons on Monday March 13, 2023.”


Roberto Zepeda’s letter

3/11/23

Dear Judge Clemons,

I have followed the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal for some time now and it didn’t take me long to understand his fight.

From a single book I have read of his and an experience of being on the other side. Mumia has been able to articulate a lived reality for many of those that have been impacted by the carceral system.

It took me a while to get acquainted with his case and I can see how he got railroaded. I have lost all faith in the criminal legal system as it exists in the United States, and it is no wonder that the entire world is keeping a close eye on the case because the country that champions itself as being democratic has truly lost its way.

I have been adamant to follow too many cases in which D.A.s all across the nation disregard the law and violate the same laws they swore to uphold. It is not surprising then that this country incarcerates more people than any other place in the world. At best, justice in the U.S. is performative. It exists in name only.

But it is never too late to do what is right. Precisely because I still believe that Mumia Abu-Jamal can be released. I implore you by way of this letter to grant Mumia Abu-Jamal his release and take a bold stance on what is right.

Presently, I am a university student, advocate, activist, and organizer. I cannot remain silent in the face of injustice and because of so much injustice all around I do not think it’s in me to remain silent any longer.

Stand on the right side of history, uphold the law, and do not waver. Because the law has completely been disregarded when it comes to Mumia Abu-Jamal’s case, you can restore some semblance of respect to the Constitution.

The entire world is watching, and our voices will not be silenced. We support you, Judge Clemons, only because we have faith that you will do what is right.

Mumia Abu-Jamal is a human being that deserves to be treated fairly. Even though for four decades he has been denied justice, we know that it is never too late to do justice. You have the opportunity to do that. Seek Justice Judge Clemons, for humanity’s sake.

Release Mumia Abu-Jamal!!!!!!!

Sincerely,
Roberto Zepeda San Diego State University (SDSU) Student


Your voice could be the voice of many that makes a difference.

We are all waiting Judge Clemons’s final decision.

We want Justice! Release Mumia, now! Bring him Home!


Join the Struggle-La Lucha Telegram channel