What occurs now in the Supreme Court will determine whether Mumia will have a new jury trial or die at the hands of the executioner , '' Bryan said . Mumia Abu - Jamal 's case has become an international cause . He has filed appeals before the U.S. Supreme Court . Racism responsible for his conviction , death sentence , he says . Abu - Jamal convicted in 1981 murder of a police officer .
Mumia Abu - Jamal 's case has become an international cause . He has filed appeals before the U.S. Supreme Court . Racism responsible for his conviction , death sentence , he says . Abu - Jamal convicted in 1981 murder of a police officer .