December 2003

Dear Friend of Justice for Mumia:

Good developments in Mumia’s case continue, even though the case is back in dangerous territory -- the fast-tracking federal courts. On October 8 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied relief.

Mumia’s new lead attorney Robert R. Bryan of San Francisco, the prominent death penalty specialist, is filling out his team. That includes: Steven W. Hawkins, who was Executive Director of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, a member of the National Conference of Black Lawyers, and one of Mumia’s previous lawyers; Judith L. Ritter, a highly regarded law professor; and, Jill Culbert, an associate of Mr. Bryan.

We are sure that many of you were as upset as we were that Michael Moore, in his new best-selling book ”Dude, Where’s My Country?”, took a gratuitous swipe at Mumia in declaring that ”he did (PROBABLY!) indeed kill that cop.” Michael has heard from many of you and as a result recently issued an apology, and restated his support that Mumia be granted a new trial!

The next legal step will be the resumption of litigation at the federal level. In December 2001, the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia upheld Mumia’s conviction but overturned his death sentence. Both sides appealed this split decision with the District Attorney demanding that Mumia be executed while the defense continues to vigorously seek a new trial. The proceedings were stayed due to the ongoing state litigation. As a result, Mumia has yet to see a single day off of death row in over 22 years.

In a recent message to supporters Mumia wrote: ”I thank all of you for your support over these long, hard years; I appreciate you all for aiding my efforts in this ‘long hard slog.’ for freedom . . . We are on the brink of great and momentous things . . . . We need to fight in the courts, in the streets, in the suites, in colleges and beyond -- because, we gotta fight to win.”

In the spirit of justice we are coming to you again for assistance. Travel costs alone, to allow Mumia the necessary access to his legal team, are enormous. An extensive investigation is ongoing, as well as other legal efforts on various fronts. We urge you to give as generously as you can. Your end of the year tax-deductible contribution should be made out to the National Lawyers Guild Foundation, marked for ”Mumia” and mailed in the enclosed envelope to the Committee to Save Mumia Abu-Jamal.

As always, our heartfelt thanks,

Angela Davis     Ossie Davis

Chairpersons of the Committee to Save Mumia Abu-Jamal
130 Morningside Drive, Suite 6C, New York, NY 10027