B4-1170/95

Resolution on the case of Mr Mumia Abu-Jamal in the US

The European Parliament,

-having regard to its resolution of 15 June 1995 on the death penalty in the United States and the Abu-Jamal case,

A.having regard to the death sentence pronounced on Mr Mumia Abu-Jamal in December 1982,

B.whereas the international protest movement against this death sentence led the Pennsylvania legal authorities to defer the execution due to take place on 17 August 1995,

C.deeply concerned at the refusal of the Philadelphia judge to review Mr Abu-Jamal's case,

D.whereas Mr Abu-Jamal was sentenced to death in 1982 following political machinations and an unfair trial,

E.whereas numerous personalities and heads of government, human rights organizations, trade unions and political parties worldwide have called for Mr Abu-Jamal's life to be saved,

1.Reiterates its call for Mr Abu-Jamal's case to be reviewed;

2.Calls on the EU authorities and the governments of the Member States to make representations to the Pennsylvania authorities with a view to preventing the execution and obtaining a review of the case;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Governments and Parliaments of the Member States, the President of the United States and the Government of the State of Pennsylvania.