Troy Davis action

Lake Street & Marshall Avenue Bridge, Minneapolis-Saint Paul. October 22, 2008

Members of Twin Cities Amnesty International Group 37 held a vigil on the east end of the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue bridge on Wednesday, October 22nd for Georgia State death row inmate Troy Davis. Davis had been rescheduled for execution at 7 p.m., Monday, October 27th. On Friday, October 24th, a temporary stay of execution was issued, allowing time for additional review of the case. Continued action is vital!

Amnesty International is opposed to the death penalty as a violation of human rights. Minnesota does not have a death penalty statute similar to Georgia. Minnesota Amnesty International members are joining thousands of other human rights supporters from around the world in protest of Davis' planned execution.

The goal of Amnesty International and the campaign is discourage Georgia officials from continuing to pursue this execution, and to encourage the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to reconsider its previous decision and grant clemency to Troy Davis.

Background information on the Troy Davis death penalty case

Following the refusal by the US Supreme Court in mid-October to hear Troy Davis' appeal, an execution warrant had been issued for 7 p.m., October 27th. On Friday, October 24th, a temporary stay of execution was issued by the Federal 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Supreme Court had been asked to rule whether the death penalty is barred for an individual with a strong claim of innocence. By refusing to hear this case, the Supreme Court clearly demonstrates the immorality of the death penalty system.

Mr. Davis' serious claims of innocence, which include the recantation of seven out of nine witnesses, have never been heard in court. Further, no murder weapon was found and no physical evidence linked Davis to the crime.

Over 200,000 petitions have been collected from all over the world demanding justice for Troy Davis. For more information visit the Amnesty International USA web site