The first phase takes place before Judge William H. Yohn, Jr. in U.S. District Court. Defense lawyers have filed a 160-page brief that cites 26 violations of Mumia's constitutional rights and asks for an evidentiary hearing that would allow new evidence and witnesses to be introduced. Such a hearing, if granted, offers the last opportunity for Abu-Jamal to testify about how he was framed for killing a cop. It will be his last chance to present new information that could win him another trial. That is why massive public pressure on the courts to obtain the evidentiary hearing is crucial right now.
Planning is underway for protests, press conferences, resolutions, letter campaigns, and more.
The new wave of activism seen in the streets of Seattle during the World Trade Organization conference could be promising for the Mumia defense movement. Despite the enormous amount of armed force brought to bear against them, and media coverage that was at first mostly unsympathetic, protesters shut the WTO down. Sheer numbers, absolute intransigence, and unity in action despite differences. In Pennsylvania, African Americans are nine percent of the population, but make up a staggering 62 percent of prison inmates waiting to be executed. Governor Ridge has signed 176 death warrants in four years.