Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis and his family. The State Supreme Court upheld his conviction on Wednesday, March 19, 2008.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
Today, Georgia's Supreme Court took the monstrous decision to uphold the death sentence against Troy Davis, a man on Georgia's death row who is in all likelihood innocent.
He certainly isn't "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" and shouldn't be on death row at all.
Act now to save Troy Davis so that the struggle for his freedom can continue! For what you can do right now, see the Amnesty International link below, or just google "Troy Davis" on the internet to find the relevant sites with recommended actions.
This case once more demonstrates the horrible nature of the racist death penalty.
Help Save Troy Davis Troy Davis came within 24 hours of execution in July, 2007 before receiving a temporary stay of execution. Two weeks later the Georgia Supreme Court agreed to hear his extraordinary motion for a new trial.
On Monday, March 17, 2008 the court denied Mr. Davis’ appeal. Troy Davis was sentenced to death for the murder of Police Officer Mark MacPhail in Georgia. The case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony which contained inconsistencies even during the trial.
Since then , all but two of the state's nine non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted or contradicted their testimony. Many of these witnesses have stated in sworn affidavits that they were pressured or coerced by police into testifying or signing statements against Troy Davis.
From Amnesty International:
Take action to Save Troy Davis!
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=10022
Today's stunning decision by the Georgia Supreme Court to let the death sentence stand in the Troy Anthony Davis case means that the state of Georgia might execute a man who well may be innocent.
Take action now and tell the Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles to commute the death sentence for Troy Anthony Davis.
With this decision, the Supreme Court is demonstrating a blatant disregard for justice and turning its back on the fundamental flaws that taint Mr. Davis's case at every level.
Tell the Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles to commute the death sentence for Troy Anthony Davis.
Over 60,000 supporters signed petitions on Troy's behalf, and letters of support continue to pour into his mailbox. "I want to thank all Amnesty supporters," he said, "I want to thank everyone all over the world who have been praying for me, supporting me, writing letters and signing petitions on my behalf." Troy needs your continued support today, now more than ever.
Troy Davis was convicted of the murder of Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail in 1991. No murder weapon was found and no physical evidence linked Davis to the crime. Since his conviction, seven out of nine original witnesses have either recanted or changed their testimony.
Officer MacPhail's life was cut tragically short, and his family and the people of Georgia also deserve true justice. However, this will not be accomplished by executing a man with such strong claims of innocence.
Take action now: help rescue a possibly innocent man from paying the ultimate price.
In light of today's Supreme Court decision, we ask that you call on the Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles to commute Mr. Davis' death sentence. Executing Troy Anthony Davis would be an irrevocable error that would haunt the conscience of the state of Georgia forever.
In Solidarity,
Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn
Director, Death Penalty Abolition Campaign
Amnesty International USA
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