20 Apr 2018 | 03:05 AM UTC
Netherlands: Demonstration in Amsterdam April 20
Demonstration at Museumplein in Amsterdam (near US Consulate General) April 20 demanding release of Mumia Abu-Jamal; heightened security presence expected
Event
Activists are planning to hold a demonstration at the Museumplein in Amsterdam (near the US Consulate General) from 15:00 to 18:00 (local time) on Friday, April 20. The protest is being organized to demand the release of Mumia Abu-Jamal from prison. A heightened police presence is expected near the protest site, and localized traffic disruptions (including roadblocks) are possible.
Context
Mumia Abu-Jamal is currently serving a life imprisonment sentence - commuted from an original death sentence - for the murder of a Philadelphia police officer in 1981. Some activist groups have criticized the conduct of his original trial, maintaining that it may not have been fair and impartial, and have called for a new trial since the 1990s. Abu-Jamal, a former journalist and member of the Black Panther Party, has authored several books on civil rights and race issues while incarcerated.
Advice
Individuals in Amsterdam are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
