Protesters demand ‘Free Mumia’

By Betsey Piette posted on July 18, 2012

Bill Perry of Veterans for Peace with Pam Africa. WW photo: Joseph Piette

Despite the record heat, around 100 people gathered at Fifth and Market streets next to Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell for a “Free Mumia” rally on July 3. Under the theme, “We the people cannot rest until freedom comes,” the demonstrators celebrated the victory of Mumia Abu-Jamal’s release from death row last December and pledged to continue the fight to free him.

Speakers addressed the fight to free all political prisoners and denounced continuing U.S. wars and the economic crisis at home. Several entertainers, including The Welfare Poets, were on hand.

In a show of solidarity, the International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal — which had a permit to use the federal park space that afternoon — welcomed Veterans for Peace to stay at the site after park officials threatened to evict the veterans group when their permit expired. ICFFMAJ also welcomed participants in the Occupy National Gathering to join the speakout. They had been evicted after trying to use the space without a permit.