Supporters of death-row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal, the former Black Panther and journalist convicted of killing a Philadelphia police officer nearly three decades ago, are hoping President Obama will intervene to overturn a sentence they say is unjust.

"It's clear Mumia did not have a fair trial," said MOVE member Pam Africa, one of the organizers of a Free Mumia petition now being circulated. "Evidence was most definitely withheld. This is a test for this new administration right here."

A week ago, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Abu-Jamal’s request for a new trial. His supporters are now urging Eric Holder Jr., the nation’s first African-American U.S. attorney general, to get involved. They’re also hoping that U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) will take their plea to President Barack Obama.

"This is a new administration, and we are looking for honesty and fairness," said Africa.

Clinton previously rejected the plea from Abu-Jamal’s supporters. Abu-Jamal denies that he was the triggerman who felled Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner in 1981, claiming that his conviction was driven by racism. His death sentence drew international attention, and many celebrities and leaders of foreign nations argued that his scheduled execution should be overturned.