I know that we’ve been posting a lot of call to action e-mails lately but what can I say: if an organization can write something more concisely than I can, why not quote them?
The following e-mail was sent by Amnesty International USA, in regards to Troy Davis’ upcoming execution based on recanted witness testimony. The type of work that Brandeis’ Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism’s Innocence Project does.
The day is now here – the state of Georgia has set Troy Davis’ execution date for September 21st, just two weeks from today.
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear his final appeal earlier this year. But the story remains the same – Troy Davis could very well be innocent.
However, in the state of Georgia, the Board of Pardons & Paroles holds the keys to Troy’s fate. In the days before Davis’ execution, this Board will hold a final clemency hearing – a final chance to prevent Troy Davis from being executed.
Davis was convicted on the basis of witness testimony – seven of the nine original witnesses have since recanted or changed their testimony.
One witness said in a CNN news interview “If I knew then, what I know now, Troy Davis would not be on death row.”
I know it’s difficult to believe that a system of justice could be so terribly flawed, but keep in mind that Troy has survived three previous execution dates, because people like you kept the justice system in check!
We’ve been bracing for this moment and the time for action is now! Here’s what you can do to join the fight:
1. Sign our petition to the Board of Pardons & Paroles urging them to grant clemency! We’ll deliver your signatures next week.
2. Organize locally for Troy: Take to the streets with us. Soon we’ll be announcing the date for the official Troy Davis Day of Action. Sign up now to rally in the coming days to stop the execution of Troy Davis.
3. Tell everyone you know! Spread the word about this injustice on Twitter by using the hashtag #TooMuchDoubt. Be sure to tell your Facebook friends Troy’s story too!
Thank you for fighting for Troy,
Laura Moye
Director, Death Penalty Abolition Campaign
Amnesty International USA
Follow my Troy Davis updates on Twitter: @lauramoye
This leads to a discussion as to how effective petitions and public awareness campaigns of this sort are. What do you think?