Tag: Larry Krasner

If Krasner does not challenge the FOP on Mumia Abu-Jamal, then he really has not challenged the FOP fundamentally. He may achieve some short-term gains for “progressive” prosecuting, and indeed he has, but he has not really challenged the police power of the state that wants to kill Mumia and defeat the revolutionary and more humane form of the state for which Mumia fights.

In the urgent struggle by justice advocates, friends and family to free Mumia Abu-Jamal, another challenge exists in trying to determine why “progressive” DA Larry Krasner continues to defend Mumia’s conviction in the face of overwhelming evidence of his innocence, and abetting the apparent determined effort by the state to kill Mumia while he is held captive.

The call to act is urgent to free Mumia Abu Jamal, Russel "Maroon" Shoatz, and all political prisoners, with sustained mass movement of collective energy to accept nothing less than unconditional compassionate release for our fellow brothers and sisters held by the U.S.

Adante Pointer Esq. is one of the legal warriors fighting the people’s fight for a long time in the streets and courtrooms of the Bay Area. I became aware of him during the Oscar Grant movement in 2009-2010. I remember he would be flanking John Burris, the Bay Area’s Johnnie Cochran in the courtroom, and at press conferences he would help explain the “legalese” to the media and public so people could understand what exactly happened in the courtroom.

When Larry Krasner, Philadelphia’s new purportedly progressive district attorney, took office last January, he vowed to unflinchingly make the office’s goal “seeking justice,” instead of just seeking convictions, as a string of DAs going back to at least Ed Rendell had done. Last week, faced with a decision calling for real courage, Krasner flinched.

My first five minutes in court were a revelation. Law school prepared me to write motions, make oral arguments and meet with clients. But I was startled when the uniformed bailiff bellowed “All rise!” and rows of working people, family members from all walks of life and suited-and-booted attorneys all scrambled to their feet. I realized I had underestimated the concentrated power of one person in this courtroom constellation whose entrance required a public show of fealty: the judge.

The recent general election in Philadelphia saw a former civil rights attorney running on an anti-incarceration platform elected district attorney to the country’s fifth largest city. Larry Krasner, who defended Black Lives Matter activists and indicted police officers while in private practice, promised sweeping reforms and Philadelphia voters responded. Prisoners supported Krasner’s candidacy with a robust political action campaign of voter education, voter registration, political forums and get-out-the-vote drives directed towards their families, loved ones, friends and returned citizens.