Family: Mumia Abu-Jamal treated for diabetes complications

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Family members and supporters of Mumia Abu-Jamal say the former death row inmate was rushed to a Pennsylvania hospital to be treated for complications from diabetes.

Abu-Jamal's wife, brother and lawyers spoke Tuesday outside Schuylkill Medical Center in Pottsville, where he was taken Monday for treatment.

They say his blood sugar was dangerously high and he could have slipped into a diabetic coma.

Abu-Jamal is a former Black Panther serving life in prison for the 1981 murder of white Philadelphia Officer Daniel Faulkner. His conviction was upheld through years of appeals, but he has gained international support for his claim that he's the victim of a racist justice system.

His family is complaining that state prison officials failed to provide him with proper medical care.