Date & Time:
Aug 29th, 2025 6:00 PM ET
Description:
Political Prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal is at risk of permanent blindness. His eyesight is deteriorating at an alarming rate and requires immediate medical treatment, or he will permanently lose his sight. Please share this
link
to invite others to register for this virtual press conference, to focus on Mumia’s condition and inquire as to why the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is delaying his treatment.
Via Prison Radio:
Mumia’s eyesight is endangered. He is facing what could be irreversible vision loss if he doesn’t see a retinal specialist and receive immediate treatment. He also must receive laser surgery for after-cataracts.
Mumia’s Vision: A Message for the Movement (3:54)
As Mumia tells us, prison is “No Place for Old Men” and this most recent challenge underscores the medical abuse and elder abuse that so many unprotected people in prison experience at the hands of the prison system.
It started 8 months ago. In January his eyesight began worsening and he has been unable to read, write and or see clearly for 8 long months. In late June he finally saw an ophthalmologist who confirmed the need for and ordered laser surgery for after-cataracts, and treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Mumia continues to wait while the prison delays these critical sight saving and restoring treatments.
The gravity of this situation is made more tragic by its preventability and the refusal of the PA DOC and Wellpath, their contract health care provider, to adequately address his medical concerns. This delay is highly consequential and could be the difference between whether he regains his sight or whether this becomes a permanent and life altering disability.
We must act quickly and decisively to protect our vulnerable comrade. When the movement fights for Mumia’s sight it is a lightning bolt that will spark better eye care for all people in prison. We call this “The Mumia Effect.”
Open of the Eyes of Many by Mumia Abu-Jamal (2:22)
It takes money to do this work. In April we retained an expert ophthalmologist. We are doing the necessary legal work to demand that the prison act, and act quickly. Take a moment to act and give.
When we shine that bright light, we will symbolically, literally, and figuratively open the eyes of many.
- Mumia Abu-Jamal
Mumia’s outer sight may be failing, but his insight remains as clear, lucid, and eagle-eyed as ever. In his words:
What we need is a new medical model because what we have is really in the service of capital not in the service of the health needs of prisoners. And as long as capital rules then people will suffer and profits will be made - vast profits.
Fighting for Mumia’s health means we are fighting for the right to healthcare for all prisoners.
Take Action Now: Defend Mumia’s Sight
With Love, Not Phear,
Jennifer Black, Director of Political Education, Prison Radio