Execution date set for Troy Davis

[carolinem]

By RHONDA COOK

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Troy Anthony Davis, convicted of killing an off-duty police officer in 1989, is to be executed Oct. 27.

The date was set after a Chatham County judge signed a warrant Wednesday afternoon setting the time frame from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3 for the execution.

This is Davis’ third execution date in little more than a year.

Last month, just two hours before he was to die by lethal injection, the U.S. Supreme Court stopped his execution so it could decide if it would hear Davis’ challenge based on the recantations of seven of the nine witnesses who testified against him.

On Tuesday, the court without explanation refused to hear the appeal.

Davis was condemned to die for the Aug. 19, 1989 killing of Savannah police officer Mark Allen MacPhail. The 27- year-old father of two was working off duty when he was shot in the parking lot of a Burger King restaurant.

[carolinem]

Announcing a Troy Davis Demonstration in Washington DC.
For more information contact, mikestark2003@ yahoo.com


STOP THE EXECUTION OF TROY DAVIS!

US Supreme Court denies justice for Troy Davis & lifts stay of execution!

What: Demonstration for Troy Davis

When: Saturday, October 18th at 2 PM

Where: 14th St. and Park Rd. NW (near Columbia Heights Metro)

Who: Campaign to End the Death Penalty, Washington Peace Center, Nat Turner Rebellion, Black August Planning Committee, International Socialist Organization, National Lawyers Guild, and others.

Why: Today (10/14) the US Supreme Court denied Georgia death row prisoner Troy Davis' request for a new trial. The decision was a cruel answer to Troy and his family who were hoping the Court would review the facts and circumstances surrounding his unjust conviction. Troy was convicted without physical evidence -- instead, the case against him relied on witness testimony. However, since his conviction 7 of the 9 witnesses have recanted their testimony at trial.

Troy's case has become an important battleground for all those who are concerned about the unfairness of a legal system that routinely sends the poor and minorities to prison without due process. Concerns about Troy's case have prompted a wide range of individuals from across the world to call for a halt to his execution. From former President Jimmy Carter to Rev. Desmond Tutu, people concerned with justice have been organizing on Troy's behalf.

JOIN US! Join the tens of thousands who demand justice for Troy Davis!

Demonstration this Saturday, October 18th at 2 PM at 14th St. and Park Rd. NW.

Stop the execution of Troy Davis! Abolish the death penalty!



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[carolinem]

Hello all,

It is truly an outrage that the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Troy’s case. And according to the New York Times today, “a judge is expected to set a new time frame for the execution by next week.” With the facts of this case now exposed for millions to see, people across the country and around the world are shaking their head in disbelief that Troy could actually be executed without a jury of his peers ever hearing evidence that would prove his innocence.

But, as Troy’s sister Martina Correa has said, we are going to continue to fight. It’s not true that NOTHING can be done. While the Governor of Georgia has said he has to abide by the decision of the Georgia parole board, HE appointed the board, and he could demand an emergency meeting to discuss the case with them.

It also is true that legislation could be introduced to halt executions in Georgia until a study could look into the flaws that exist. I come from Illinois where a Republican Governor, who had no intention on instituting a moratorium on the death penalty, ended up doing just that!

Attached is a petition people can use to gather signatures to send to Spencer Lawton Jr., the district attorney in Chatham County, GA, to urge him NOT to sign a death warrant. Also attached is a petition urging the parole board to reverse its decision denying Troy clemency.

And we are urging, along with Amnesty International and other anti-death penalty organizations, that people contact the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to reverse its decision.

(see bottom of this email for Georgia officials contact information)


All chapters of the CEDP should hold petionings for Troy. If possible, reach out to other groups and coordinate a speakout or rally in support of Troy and for an end to the death penalty. When an action is planned, please forward the announcement to me so I can send it out to the national list serve.

TURN ANGER, SHOCK AND OUTRAGE INTO ACTION!
JUSTICE FOR TROY DAVIS AND ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY!


Marlene Martin (marlene@nodeathpen alty.org)
Campaign to End the Death Penalty

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In New York....

Join the Campaign to End the Death Penalty this SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 for petitioning & tabling in Harlem.

Keep up the fight for Troy Davis -- STOP THE EXECUTION!!

Saturday
11 AM - 2 PM
125th Street – SW Corner, Frederick Douglass Blvd

For more information, contact nyc@nodeathpenalty. org


CONTACT INFO FOR GEORGIA PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Chairman Gale Buckner
State Board of Pardons and Paroles
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE
Suite 458, Balcony Level, East Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4909
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] and [phone]

Or fax or email a message through Amnesty’s Web site: http://takeaction. amnestyusa. org/siteapps/ advocacy/ index.aspx? c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=11330

Thurbert E. Baker
Office of the Attorney General
40 Capitol Square, SW
Atlanta, Ga 30334
Phone:[phone]
Fax:[phone]


Spencer Lawton, Chatham County District Attorney
Chief Assistant District Attorney David Locke
133 Montgomery Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] or [phone]