We had an inspiring and very wet rally in support of Troy Davis on Tuesday night, in spite of being off to a late start and having to do without a sound system.
We heard from Jeff Ellis for the Washington Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, who spoke about the injustice in Troy’s and other cases, and why the death penalty is wrong in all cases.
James Bible of the NAACP spoke next about the importance of standing for justice, and bringing all our friends to stand with us. He also introduced and highlighted the case of recently released Gerald Hankerson, who spoke of nearly giving up hopes for justice in his case. James Bible was brought back up later in the vigil to read a statement from Troy Davis in the now pouring rain (and spoke as well about a young man, 13 at the time of his crime facing the Life Without Parole).
Ours was one of many on what was a Global Day of Action for Troy around the world.
I’ve posted more details on previous posts. In bullet points from the AI Fact Sheet:
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There is no physical evidence against Troy Davis
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The weapon used in the crime was never found.
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The case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony.
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Seven of the nine non-police witnesses have recanted or contradicted their testimony.
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Many of these witnesses have stated they were pressured or coerced by police.
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One of the two witnesses who has not recanted or contradicted testimony is Sylvester Coles the principal alternative suspect.
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Nine individuals have signed affidavits implicating Sylvester Coles.
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Troy Davis has never had a hearing in federal court on the reliability of the witness testimony against him.
Take action online at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/troy
Read the report “Where is the justice for me? The case of Troy Davis, facing execution in Georgia at:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?lang=e&id=ENGAMR510232007
