Wednesday, August 26, 2009

SOME AUGUST DATES



Compiled by EAT THE STATE.

On 25 August 1998 Federal court finds that the rights of political death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal had been violated by prison authorities. Eleven years later he remains on death row. Through radio broadcasts and writings, Abu-Jamal has become a leading voice for prisoners and against the prison system. Angela Davis is another leader in this arena.

On 27 August 1919 Seattle mayor Ole Hanson demands, "hang or incarcerate all anarchists for life".

On 30 August 1968, with the Democratic convention riots in progress, Chicago police invade headquarters of antiwar presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy, dragging staffers from their beds and beating them. CBS anchor Walter Cronkite will tell prime-time television viewers: "I want to pack my bags and get out of this city."

On 31 August 1970 Philadelphia police raid the office of the local Black Panther Party. Among those arrested is a young teen, Wesley Cook, later known as Mumia Abu-Jamal. Abu-Jaml would be sentenced to death in a highly questionable trial in 1983, in part because of his teenage association with the Blank Panthers.

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