Court Says Mumia Abu-Jamal Needs New Hearing

Mumia Abu-Jamals case took another twist this week after a federal appeals court ruled that the imprisoned author/activist cannot be executed without a new penalty hearing.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Abu-Jamals 1982 conviction in the murder of Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner, but affirmed a lower courts previous ruling that Abu-Jamal cannot be executed without a new hearing due to faulty jury instructions during his original sentencing.

At this point, prosecutors in the case can grant a new penalty hearing. If they choose not to, Abu-Jamal will be re-sentenced to life in prison.

Abu-Jamal also appealed his conviction on the grounds of racism by the judge and misconduct by the police and prosecution.

He was convicted by a majority white jury.

The case of Mumia Abu-Jamal [click here to read article] has inspired thousands of people in the United States and other countries to fight not only for Abu-Jamal, but other causes including the abolition of the death penalty and more rights for incarcerated people.

On the other side of the case, Daniel Faulkners widow, Maureen, released "Murdered by Mumia: A Life Sentence of Loss, Pain and Injustice in December. The book is co-authored by talk radio host Michael Smerconish.

Regardless of the outcome of the forthcoming penalty hearing, Abu-Jamals lawyer, Robert R. Bryan doesnt expect either side to wavier in their support.

"If anything it will heat up the outcry from people in the public, he said in March. "I think the support from people not only [in the United States ], but all across Europe will escalate."