Saturday, October 25, 2008
In America, whether you live or die may depend on publicity rather than justice
by Larry Geller
There have been demonstrations in Georgia (USA), around the country, and around the world to stay the execution of Troy Davis, who is very likely innocent of the charges against him:
Troy Davis has been on death row since 1991, for the murder of a police officer in Savannah, Georgia. No physical evidence linked him to the crime, and seven out of nine eyewitnesses have since recanted their testimony. Among his supporters are former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Georgia Congressman John Lewis, and exonerated death row prisoners across the country. Davis came within two hours of execution last month. [Alternet, Facing Execution for the Third Time, Troy Davis Granted a Stay, 10/24/2008]
He has been granted a stay of execution and, if there is any trace of humanity in the state of Georgia, can work at getting a new trial.
But what of others facing execution, or all those who were innocent and have already been killed?
What does it say about American justice when organizing skills and having supporters who know how to reach out via the Internet are needed to prevent wrongful executions?
What does it say about an America that kills so easily, at home and abroad?
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