Rage's Morello Calls Abu-Jamal Ruling 'Tremendous Victory'

NEW YORK (AP) - The 20-year-old death sentence of convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal, whose claim of racial injustice has long been championed by Rage Against The Machine, was overturned Tuesday (December 18), prompting Rage guitarist Tom Morello to call it "a tremendous victory for the cause of justice."

"The noose has been removed from this political prisoner's neck for the time being thanks in large measure to persistent public outcry," says Morello, in a statement. "Remember, this is a case that is being tried both in the courts and in the streets. And while this battle will continue, today's ruling is a cause for celebration."

A judge in Federal Court in Philadelphia ruled that there were problems with the jury charge and verdict forms in the trial, saying the jurors should have been able to consider mitigating circumstances during sentencing, even if they didn't unanimously agree the circumstances existed.

The court ordered the state of Pennsylvania to conduct a new sentencing hearing within the next 180 days or sentence Abu-Jamal to life imprisonment. An appeal can be made to a higher court. However, Abu-Jamal's other claims were denied and his request for a new trial refused.

Abu-Jamal was sentenced to die nearly 20 years ago for the 1981 murder of Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner. However, he has long claimed his innocence. In the ensuing years Abu-Jamal has not only battled for new court proceedings but has claimed in writing that the justice system is racist and ruled by political expediency.

"I'm angry, outraged, and disgusted," said Officer Faulkner's widow, Maureen Faulkner, to the Associated Press, in reaction to the ruling.