World News: Death penalty dropped against Mumia Abu-Jamal

Mumia Abu-Jamal, the former Black Panther who was convicted of killing white police officer Daniel Faulkner and has spent the last several decades appealing his conviction, has been told by prosecutors that they will no longer seek the death penalty.

Philadelphia prosecutors on Wednesday dropped their 30-year push for the death penalty for convicted cop-killer Mumia Abu-Jamal, the former Black Panther whose case became well known because it was so racially charged.

Abu-Jamal, 58, will instead serve a life sentence. While the decision follows decades of protests and public appeals, Wednesday's decision appears not to be a result of activist or lawyer action. Instead, the widow of slain officer Daniel Faulkner has reportedly persuaded prosecutors to stop pushing for the death penalty, saying she was tired of the constant reminders of her husband’s death.

Free Mumia activists, including many celebrities, have long said that Jamal was railroaded when he was convicted of shooting Faulkner during a traffic stop.

The Philadelphia DA said his decision was based on the fact that several witnesses had died or were unavailable to testify as appeals continue.

Via Washington Post

After reading this story one may ask what does this have to do with hip-hop, well it has plenty. Abu-Jamal was a Black Panther member, the Black Panther was active in the community and sparked artist like Public Enemy, Dead Prez, and more. Abu-Jamal was also responsible for raising the late Tupac Shakur.

Example : Tupac lyrics "White Man'z World

I'm tellin you better watch it, or be a victim
Be a victim, in this white man's world..
.. born black, in this white man's world, no doubt
And it's dedicated to my motherfuckin teachers
Mutulu Shakur, Geronimo Pratt, Mumia Abu Jamal
Sekou Odinga, all the real O.G.'s, we out

Abu-Jamal Interview