Mumia Abu-Jamal's death sentence was overturned by a federal judge in Philadelphia today marking a major victory for his supporters. But the world's most famous death-row inmate was denied a new trial.

In a 272-page ruling, Judge William Yohn determined that Mumia, a celebrated journalist and Black Panther, deserved a new sentence hearing within the next 180 days. If the hearing does not take place Abu-Jamal will be sentenced to life imprisonment.

But Mumia's conviction still stands for killing a Philadelphia police officer on December 9, 1981 and he could still be sentenced to Death Row again.

Mumia's case has drawn national attention from activists due to the questionable nature of his original trial and lingering questions surrounding his crime.

Indymedia and ASUNDER PRESS