Prosecutor explains challenge to Mumia Abu-Jamal hearing

Source: Associated Press


Updated 5:12 pm CST, Friday, February 15, 2019

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia prosecutors say they're fighting an order that gives prison activist Mumia Abu-Jamal a new court hearing because the ruling is so broad it could undo countless other cases.

District Attorney Larry Krasner filed a motion Friday outlining his challenge. The issue is now with the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

The 64-year-old Abu-Jamal is serving a life sentence for a 1981 police officer's slaying.

A Philadelphia judge recently granted him a chance at a new appeal because a judge who heard his initial appeal had a passing involvement in the case as Philadelphia district attorney. Krasner says the U.S. Supreme Court has granted new hearings only when there's a more direct conflict.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Prosecutor-explains-challenge-to-Mumia-Abu-Jamal-13620882.php