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PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - A controversial decision by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is garnering condemnation from Philadelphia NAACP President Rodney Muhammad. Minister Muhammad says DA Krasner's decision to oppose a new appeals hearing for convicted cop killer Mumia Abu Jamal is disappointing and a violation of Abu-Jamal's constitutional rights.
It was a surprise decision by a district attorney often at odds with the police union. This time, officer advocates are applauding Larry Krasner for asking a judge to deny a new appeals hearing for convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal. The motion, filed Friday, is in response to Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Leon Tucker ruling Abu Jamal can reargue his appeals case in front of the State Supreme Court. Reaction was swift from the Philadelphia NAACP branch.
"The NAACP finds it disappointing to hear the DA has chosen this course," Minister Muhammad said.
"The NAACP is not here to argue guilt or innocence of Mr. Jamal. We're here talking about due process that every citizen should be guaranteed," Minister Muhammad continued.
Abu-Jamal was convicted of gunning down Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner in 1981. This is the latest twist in a long-running post-conviction legal battle. Judge Tucker's ruling was based on the argument that former Chief Justice Ronald Castille's should have previously recused himself from the high court hearing on Abu-Jamal's case because he is a former Philadelphia district attorney.
"He was part of the prosecution and he should have recused himself from any ruling that would have either admitted or denied Mr. Jamal the case," stated Minister Muhammad.
Fox 29 reached out to District Attorney Krasner for comment and have not heard back. Mumia Abu-Jamal is serving life in prison.