Sept. 21
EUROPE:
Executing Troy Davis could lead to ‘a tragic injustice’, says PACE rapporteur
Renate Wohlwend (Liechtenstein, EPP/CD), rapporteur of the Council of Europe
Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) on the death penalty, has made a last-ditch
appeal to the Georgian authorities to refrain from executing Troy Davis.
Mr Davis, who was sentenced to death in 1991 for the murder of a police
officer, faces execution by lethal injection later today.
“Following the decision of the Georgia parole board to deny Troy Davis
clemency, I appeal to the Georgian authorities, even at this late hour, not to
carry out his execution,” said Mrs Wohlwend. “To carry out this irrevocable act
now would be a terrible mistake which could lead to a tragic injustice
tomorrow.”
“As Amnesty International and many others have shown, there is serious doubt
about Mr Davis’s conviction. Since his trial, seven out of nine key witnesses
have recanted or changed their testimony, some alleging police coercion, and
many believe that another man has been identified as the perpetrator of the
crime.
The Council of Europe is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances –
but in this case, there exists the real possibility that an innocent man will
go to his death. It is precisely because of this risk that 3 US states have
recently legislated to abolish the death penalty.
Mr Troy’s execution has already been delayed 3 times. Not only as a
humanitarian gesture, but above all for the sake of justice, I appeal for his
life.”
Press release - DC076(2011)
Statement by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on Troy Davis’
death sentence
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, meeting on 21 September
2011, was informed that the Board of Pardons and Paroles in the US state of
Georgia has rejected the appeal for clemency lodged by Troy Davis against his
death sentence, while there are serious doubts as to his guilt. The execution
of Mr Davis is due to take place today.
Recalling its unwavering opposition to the death penalty, the Committee of
Ministers joins the Secretary General’s call for Mr Davis’ death sentence to be
urgently commuted.
Press release - DC074(2011)
Jagland calls on US to spare the life of Troy Davis
"As Secretary General of the Council of Europe I appeal to the competent US
authorities to find a way to spare the life of Troy Davis, scheduled to be
executed today. The reason is not only our disagreement over capital
punishment, but first and foremost the serious doubts which persist about the
integrity of the conviction. I hope this appeal will not be perceived as
outside interference. Europe is a close ally and a friend of the United States
of America, and at moments like this true friends are the ones who speak out,
with the respect and honesty that our relationship deserves, " said Jagland.
(source: Council of Europe)
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