Rally to demand parole for MOVE 9

Many organizations and individuals in the New York area who support and defend political prisoners are holding a rally on Feb. 12 in New York to mobilize for the upcoming May parole hearings for MOVE 9 political prisoners Debbie Africa, Janet Africa and Janine Africa and to win parole for all imprisoned MOVE members.

The MOVE 9 political prisoners were arrested Aug. 8, 1978, and charged with the murder of a Philadelphia police officer. They were sentenced to 30-100 years each. Since 2008 they have all been eligible for parole, having served the 30-year minimum. All MOVE members have so far been denied parole.

Pam Africa will chair the event. Scheduled speakers include Ramona Africa of MOVE; Amina Baraka, poet and New Jersey activist; Johanna Fernandez, of the Committee to Bring Mumia Home; Imam Al-Hajj Talib, Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood, Inc.; and others, with presentations from Raw, LC the poet and others. There will be updates on the cases of political prisoners Jalil Muntaqim, Herman Bell and Robert Seth Hayes.

The meeting is scheduled with a light supper at 6:30 p.m. and a political and cultural program from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Center at 3940 Broadway at 165th Street, Manhattan. Take the A, C or 1 subway trains to the 168th Street stop.

Report based on news release from move9parole.blogspot.com, where more information is available.