Mumia was shot by police officers and almost killed when he intervened to stop his brother being beaten by the police. The police officer was shot and died. Witnesses saw others run from the scene but Mumia was charged with the officer's murder.

During Mumia's trial, crucial evidence, including a post-mortem report, ballistics evidence and eyewitness testimony, was suppressed. The prosecution used his past association with the Black Panther Party to seek the death penalty. Mumia has been on death row for 18 years and faces execution if his call for retrial is denied.

The NCRM supports Mumia's campaign for justice and is supporting local initiatives in the UK to prevent Mumia's execution.