Prisoner support - US, UK, Senegal

Mumia Abu-Jamal

Mumia’s execution set for August 17th was stopped when he was granted an indefinite stay of execution. The judge claimed that this was to allow Mumia time to complete the appeal process. More likely, however, since fairness has hardly been a notable feature of his incarceration, is the weight of international protest forced them to back down. However, this is no time to ease the pressure. We cannot allow him to grow old in prison, or for the authorities to execute him at a later date when outrage has died down. Continue sending letters of protest, demanding at the very least a retrial.

Also keep writing to Mumua. Increase the pressure!

Protest letters : 
Governor Tom Ridge,
Main Capitol Building,
Rm. 225
Harrisburg,
PA 17120
USA.

Support Letters:
Mumia Abu-Jamal AM-8335,
SCI Greene,
1040 East Roy Furman Highway,
Waynesburg
PA 15370-8090 USA

Jim Chambers and Stuart Edwards have been convicted of causing £35,000 of “criminal damage” to plant and machinary on the north circular road widening scheme. They were both sentenced to 18 months in prison. Both have been long term campaigners against the M11 in London. Drop them a line (Send them separate letters).

Jim Chambers PV2504
Stuart Edwards PB1864
HMP Pentonville,
Caledonian Road,
LONDON
N7 8TT.

In January 1990, Kenny Carter was nearing the end of a short sentence for robbery, in Durham Prison. However, on January 4th and 5th, a series of disputes arose between Kenny and his cellmates, Jason Rochford and Darren Brook, over accusations that Darren Brooks was a sex offender. During the night of the 5th, Jason Rochford awoke to find Darren Brook had hanged himself. Both men were interviewed by police giving consistent evidence, and it was generally accepted that this was a case of suicide. Seven days later, police informed Kenny that Jason Rochford had changed his story and that he would now be charged with Darren Brook’s murder. The Trial Commenced on 26th November 1990. The prosecutions case rested solely on Jason Rochford’s story which had now changed several times. The judge, Mr Justice Potts, ordered this fact to be disregarded. There was no other evidence, the Home Office pathologist had reported after the death that there was no evidence of a forced hanging. Kenny was sentenced to life imprisonment at the age of 20. He has been fighting his conviction ever since, with increasing support on the outside. He has suffered beatings and petty harassment. Kenny badly needs our support. Write him a letter:

Kenny Carter,
AD3434,
HMP Hull Special Unit,
Hedon Road
Humberside
HU9 5LS
Further Information:
Newcastle ABC,
PO Box ITA,
Fenham,
NEWCASTLE
NE99 1TA

Two groups have been set up by revolutionaries in Senegal, who are fighting repression in their country, to support prisoners. Solidarite Action aim to ensure that Mauritanian refugee children in Senegal and Senegalese children repatriated from Mauritania, street children, handicapped and impoverished children are given healthcare and education so that they can look after themselves. They also plan to arrange for released prisoners to talk to children about their experiences to help them avoid falling into the same traps. Internationaliste Solidarite aims to provide support for both political and social prisoners both in Senegal and internationally. They hope to create links between prisoners in Senegal and Britain.

These groups are appealing for donations of money and materials. Send cheques, PO’s (payable to R Taylor), or for further information to

Huddersfield ABC
17-21 Chapel Street.
Bradford
BD1 5DT
Internationaliste Solidarite
Mame Demba Diop
c/o 22b Fass Batiment
Dakar
Senegal
West Africa
Solidarite Action:-
Siege Social,
Appartment 4T
HLM Fass-Paillotte
Dakar
Senegal,
West Africa