Ex-Black Panther asks for fresh trial amid new evidence

New evidence shows that the conviction of Mumia Abu-Jamal - who has spent over 40 years in prison - was tainted, prompting calls for a re-examination

Mumia Abu-Jamal, the best known of the African American radicals incarcerated for decades for their actions during the black liberation struggle of the 1970s and 80s, is petitioning a Pennsylvania court for a new trial after the discovery of fresh evidence that casts doubt on his conviction.

Abu-Jamal's case will come before the court of common pleas in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The hearing could be one of the prisoner's last attempts at freedom after more than 40 years behind bars, including two decades on death row, for the murder of a white police officer - a crime for which he has always insisted he is innocent.