On Tuesday, May 19, human rights activists worldwide will take part in a global day of action, in a call for justice for Troy Davis.Troy Davis sits on death row in Georgia for a crime he probably did not commit.
Troy's original trial was flawed, and most of the witnesses have since recanted or contradicted their stories. There is no physical evidence linking him to the crime, and his conviction was based solely on that questionable testimony by witnesses. In other words, there is reasonable doubt as to Troy's guilt. And there's no excuse to execute someone when there's reasonable doubt as to his guilt.
Nevertheless, last month the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against granting Troy an evidentiary hearing, at which he could present the new evidence in his favor which has never before been examined in court.
Dissenting Judge Rosemary Barkett stated the following for the record:
"To execute Davis, in the face of a significant amount of proffered evidence that may establish his actual innocence, is unconscionable and unconstitutional."Indeed.
At the time, the court extended Troy's stay for 30 days to give him a chance to file a habeas corpus petition with the US Supreme Court.
Last October, however, the Supreme Court had rejected an earlier appeal in this case, so I'm not optimistic that they will save his life this time around.
Meantime, the stay has expired and Georgia could set a new execution date for Troy any day now.
Therefore, we need to do everything we can to stop the injustice.
Here is how you can help:
>> Sign a petition to President Barack Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, and Chatham County District Attorney Larry Chisolm, asking them to investigate the injustice.
>> Email Georgia Governor George Perdue and ask him to support clemency for Troy Davis.
>> Participate in a Day of Action event near you.
>> Listen to Troy tell his story. And spread the word.
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