Actor Danny Glover and Hip-Hop artist M1, of the group Dead Prez, will protest at the Department of Justice (DOJ) headquarters in D.C., April 24, at 11 a.m.
Acts of civil disobedience are likely during the protest and rally, which will include an alliance of community groups, activists, students and scholars. The purpose of the protest is to raise awareness in the case of activist Mumia Abu-Jamal and demand his release from prison.
Abu-Jamal is the African-American journalist and author arrested for the December 1981 killing of Philadelphia Police officer Daniel Faulkner. The prosecution attained a conviction in the case and a judge sentenced Abu-Jamal to death – the death row sentence recently commuted to life without parole.
His supporters continue to argue his innocence and fight for his release, asserting that Abu-Jamal failed to receive a fair trial. They also seek a meeting with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to discuss alleged corruption within the Philadelphia Police Department and civil rights violations in Abu-Jamal’s case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not commented on the case.
Organizers expect hundreds to attend the rally and protest, which is supported by groups such as Occupy DC and the ANSWER Coalition.
Expect partial street closures to affect traffic in the area near the DOJ at 9th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.