An inspiring visit with Mumia Abu-Jamal

Johanna Fernandez and Heidi Boghosian visit Mumia, Feb. 2. Photo: NLG

Political prisoner and revolutionary journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal was transferred Jan. 27 to general population in SCI-Mahanoy in Frackville, Pa. He had spent almost 30 years on Pennsylvania death row since he was convicted of first degree murder July 3, 1982, for the 1981 killing of a white police officer in Philadelphia. Mumia has proclaimed his innocence since his arrest on Dec. 9, 1981, which was followed by a sham of a trial. His state and federal appeals for a new trial to prove his innocence have been systematically denied by the courts. While on death row, none of his visitors could physically touch him, an unimaginable form of torture.

Only two days before a massive “Free Mumia” rally in Philadelphia on Dec. 9, his death sentence was overturned and replaced with life in prison with no parole. A few days later Mumia was transferred from death row at SCI-Greene to SCI Mahanoy where he should have been placed in general population. Instead he was subjected to the cruel conditions of solitary confinement or “the hole” for seven weeks. Only after supporters held a press conference on Jan. 26, before presenting more than 5,000 signatures demanding Mumia’s release into general population, was he reassigned there on Jan. 27.

Mumia’s supporters have vowed to keep organizing until he is finally liberated from prison. An Occupy the Justice Department protest in Washington, D.C.., to demand his freedom will take place on April 24, Mumia’s 58th birthday.

On Jan. 30, Mumia had his first contact visit with his spouse, Wadiya. On Feb. 2, Mumia had his second contact visit, this time with filmmaker and Educators for Mumia member Johanna Fernandez and National Lawyers Guild Executive Director Heidi Boghosian.

The following excerpts are from a stirring open letter to the movement written by Fernandez about the visit with Mumia: “Compared to the intense and focused conversations we had had with Mumia in a small, isolated visiting cell on Death Row, behind sterile plexiglass, this exchange was more relaxed and informal and more unpredictably interactive with the people around us … it was more human.

“When we entered, we immediately saw Mumia standing across the room. We walked toward each other, and he hugged both of us simultaneously. We were both stunned that he would embrace us so warmly and share his personal space so generously after so many years in isolation.

“As he said in his own words, ‘The only thing more drastically different than what I’m experiencing now would be freedom.’ The experience of breaking bread with our friend and comrade was emotional. We’re still taking it all in. The journey has been humbling and humanizing, and we are re-energized and re-inspired!!”

Read the entire letter at millions4mumia.org.