The eight surviving members of the MOVE 9 filed court papers on July 8 in Philadelphia seeking a new trial. The eight�Chuck Africa, Debbie Africa, Delbert Africa, Edward Africa, Janet Africa, Janine Africa, Mike Africa and Phil Africa�have spent nearly two decades behind bars, convicted of killing Police Officer James J. Ramp during a 1978 police assault on a MOVE house. All are serving sentences ranging from 30 to 100 years.

Supporters call the MOVE 9 political prisoners who were targeted for daring to advocate Black armed self-defense during Frank Rizzo�s reign as mayor of Philadelphia.

Merle Africa, the ninth member, died in prison last year under mysterious circumstances. Mumia Abu-Jamal and others have called for an independent investigation into her death.

At a news conference after filing papers in Common Pleas Court, attorney Paul J. Hetznecker said, "The trial was a travesty of justice. The result cannot be just if the process of trial is unjust." He said the judge, Edwin Malmed, "acted as an advocate for the prosecution."

Hetznecker said the nine defendants, who were representing themselves, were illegally removed from the courtroom. They were saddled with ineffective court-appointed lawyers.

Ramona Africa, spokesperson for the MOVE Organization, said prosecutors withheld vital evidence, including a February 1977 secret memo outlining plans for a police attack to "eradicate MOVE."

On June 28, police staged a provocation outside the MOVE house at 4504-06 Kingsessing Ave. The cops invaded MOVE property, claiming to be chasing two suspects. MOVE supporters have reiterated their self-defense stance, recalling the brutal 1985 police bombing of a MOVE house that killed nine people, including children.