Today, a stay of execution for Troy Davis was granted based on a new last-minute appeal filed on October 22nd to the federal appeals court in Atlanta, GA. As a result, he will not be executed on Monday, October 27th, as originally scheduled. The stay is for roughly 25 days.
Collective actions from around the world succeeded in putting a spotlight on Troy’s case and bringing about this victory. At least 300,000 individuals have written letters in support of Troy. Over 200,000 petitions have been collected from all over the world demanding justice for Troy Davis. Additionally, prominent leaders such as former President Jimmy Carter, the Pope, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have all called for justice in this case.
Yesterday, Amnesty International organized a Global Day of Action in which hundreds of activists in dozens of countries came together to stand in solidarity for Troy. From Atlanta to Seattle, New York to Paris and Milan, supporters gathered at rallies wearing T-shirts and holding signs that read “I am Troy Davis.” On the same day, the European Union issued a statement calling for Troy’s execution to be halted.
While the recent stay of execution is good news, let’s not forget that Troy still faces the very real possibility of execution, despite the fact that no physical evidence tied him to the 1989 murder of a police officer in Savannah, GA, and that 7 of the 9 eyewitnesses have since recanted their testimony. The decision of the federal appeals court will determine whether Troy’s case warrants a new hearing. The ruling could happen at any time during the next month.
More information on Troy Davis can be found on the AIUSA website.
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