Press conference accusing his jailers of deliberately withholding critical treatment for Mumia Abu-Jamal results in win!

September 3, 2025

Mumia Abu-Jamal, a political prisoner at SCI Mahanoy in Pennsylvania, finally received needed cataract laser surgery on September 2nd after widespread public pressure, restoring clear vision in his left eye. Prior to this intervention, a press conference on August 22nd organized by multiple advocacy groups highlighted how the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections had been systematically delaying and denying necessary eye treatment for Abu-Jamal, putting him at risk of permanent blindness. Medical professionals including Dr. Ricardo Alvarez and Dr. Mark Taylor detailed how Abu-Jamal had experienced significant vision deterioration, preventing him from reading or writing, while also suffering from diabetic retinopathy that requires additional specialist care.

Who is affected

Mumia Abu-Jamal, a Black journalist and political prisoner incarcerated for over four decades
Other prisoners in American correctional facilities experiencing similar medical neglect
Poor communities facing comparable healthcare access issues

What action is being taken

Advocacy groups including the Campaign to Bring Mumia Home, Mobilization4Mumia, and Free Mumia Coalition are organizing press conferences and applying public pressure
Mumia's legal and medical teams are securing off-site treatment appointments
Independent medical experts are confirming diagnoses and urgency of treatment needs
Supporters are conducting widespread campaigns through social media and email to demand proper care

Why it matters

Deliberate delay of necessary medical treatment constitutes elder abuse and could be considered a form of punishment
There is legal precedent establishing that delay of medical care is equivalent to denial of care
Abu-Jamal's case highlights systematic issues of medical neglect in prisons affecting many incarcerated individuals
Without proper treatment, Abu-Jamal risked permanent blindness and still faces threats to his eyesight

What's next

Abu-Jamal needs to see a retinal specialist to treat his additional diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy
Advocates must remain "vigilant, consistent" in their pressure to ensure complete treatment
Continued monitoring is necessary to address all of Abu-Jamal's eye conditions

Read full article from source: San Francisco Bay View National Black Newspaper