JAN 03 – The legal case for Mumia’s Hepatitis C medication

JANUARY 3
 
JUDGE MARIANI FINALLY RULES ON MUMIA’S HEALTH CARE

On January 3, 2017, Judge Robert D. Mariani finally ruled on the legal case demanding Mumia be given the cure for hepatitis C.
 
This case was originally heard over a year earlier, in December 2015, in Scranton, PA.

FMAJ/NYC Organizing Effort for the December 2015 hearing
 
On the streets of Scranton, PA during the hearing
 
Legal and political analysis of the original hearing

In August 2016, Judge Mariani ruled the Department of Corrections hepatitis C protocol unconstitutional. His ruling did not grant Mumia’s preliminary injunction, on a technicality, citing that the “Hep C Care Committee” of the DOC was not a named defendant. Mumia’s attornies immediately filed to include these doctors Dr. Paul Noel and the Hep C Care Committee.
 
In January 2017, Judge Mariani again ruled that the DOC protocol is unconstitutional, this time granting Mumia’s request for immediate treatment. Mariani ordered the DOC to comply and treat Mumia within 21 days. They now are in contempt of court. Bret Grote, Esq. and Bob Boyle, Esq., Mumia’s lawyers, have filed motions to enforce the order, but the DOC has appealed to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ruling in Mumia’s legal case
 
Opinion in Mumia’s legal case (basis of decision)

PRESS REACTION TO THE HISTORIC RULING

Worker’s World article
 
Abolitionist Law Center article
 
The Root article
 
Think Progress article
 
Socialist Action article
 
ColorLines article
 
Philadelphia Tribune article
 
Philly.com article
 

DOC REFUSES TO COMPLY WITH COURT ORDER TO
SUPPLY MUMIA WITH HEPATITIS C MEDICATION

January 24 came and went, but the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has refused to comply with the order to treat Mumia’s severe case of hepatitis C.
 
Even worse, the entire prison is dealing with an ongoing unaddressed water crisis, forcing prisoners to drink an insufficient amount of bottled water and unable to bathe or shower.

Sept 25 actions on the water and health situation
 
Oct 20 actions on the water situation
 
Jan 13 actions on the water and health situation
 
Feb 9 actions on the water and health situation
 
Mar 1 actions on the water situation

The fight continues.
 
We must demand, in the courts and in the streets, Justice for Mumia Abu-Jamal, but even more importantly for the oppressed communities whose liberation he has dedicated his entire life to.