Students react to Abu-Jamal's trial

Some say Mumia Abu-Jamal has been unjustly sentenced to be executed on August 17 because he did not get a fair trial. Others maintain that Abu-Jamal, a black political activist and journalist, murdered a police officer and was duly tried and fairly convicted. The case is now under appeal. Students at the University had mixed opinions on the controversy, which has gained visibility on campus after a group of protesters plastered Locust Walk and campus buildings with signs alleging that Abu-Jamal's trial was corrupt. "They have a right for free speech, but they're littering," Penn Summer Science Academy student Tommy Walsh said of the campaign. According to the signs, Judge Albert Sabo, who heard the Abu-Jamal case, has sentenced 31 people to death, none of whom were white. His law clerk, however, said that this claim is irrelevant, because under Pennsylvania law it is the jury, not the judge, which has the power to impose the death penalty. Fourth year Medical student Mark Knight said that he was unsure of the influence of race on the case, although he added that he was sure it was an issue. "Many young African-American males are prejudged to be of a criminal character," he said. "I myself, even here at Penn, have experienced that. "It is pretty clear how your civil rights can get trampled, given the right set of circumstances," Knight added. College sophomore Disise Tomaz agreed with the protesters. "I think he should be let free," she said. "I think he had an unfair trial." But Carthik Bala, another Penn Summer Science Academy student, believes Abu-Jamal is getting what he deserves. "I think he should be shot," Bala said.