--Mumia Abu-Jamal Decision Expected Soon; Supporters Hold Protest Highlighting Prison-Journalist's Comrades (see photoessay)

By Hans Bennett

(Abu-Jamal-News.com)

A Sept.12 demonstration in West Philadelphia spotlighted the cases of Leonard Peltier, The Cuban Five,The San Francisco Eight, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and The MOVE 9 political prisoners(see photoessay).

Sept. 12 marked Leonard Peltier's 31st birthday in prison and the ninth year of The Cuban Five's imprisonment. The SF 8 have a Sept. 24 court hearing, and the MOVE 9 will be elgible for parole in Aug. 2008.

With an important court decision expected any day (courtroom audio), supporters of Mumia Abu-Jamal are preparing for "day after" protests. Mumia was recently interviewed for a Pacifica Radio National Special, and has continued his prolific journalism, writing about The Cuban Five, MOVE, Troy Davis, Kenneth Foster, Haditha, Katrina, Michael Vick, Ward Churchill, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Elections, Think Tanks, War, Vietnam, Alberto Gonzales, and more.

Solidarity Statement from The International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia (ICFFMAJ) for the Cuban 5 and Leonard Peltier – 9/10/07

September 12th marks the ninth year that the Cuban five have been unjustly held in US prisons and Leonard Peltier’s 31st birthday locked down despite innocence. International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal whole heartedly stands behind and participates in all efforts to gain freedom for Fernando Gonzalez Llort, Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo, Ramon Labanino Salazar, Rene Gonzalez Sehwerert, Antonio Guerrero Rodriguez, and Leonard Peltier.

ICFFMAJ feels extremely close and connected with both of these struggles in particular. Mumia’s case is at more pivotal point now than ever and the past few years have had many ups and downs with appeals on the legal front at the same time that the Cuban 5 have been going through hell - being given a new trial and then having that reversed. The Cuban Five and Leonard Peltier are very strong inspiring examples of resistance and perseverance against this death breeding system. As we continue to fight for Mumia we fight for Peltier, the Cuban Five, the MOVE 9 (who are at a very critical point and are up for parole in August 2008), Mutulu Shakur, David Gilbert, Sundiata Acoli and all political prisoners. Their continued resistance in there inspires continued resistance out here. Lets join together to free them all and to continue the struggle for justice for Haramia KiNassor/Kenneth Foster Jr.

Free Leonard Peltier! Free the Cuban Five!