Injustice in Georgia: May 17th Rally in Atlanta Set in Support of Death Row Inmate

"After the officers talked to me, they gave me a statement and told me to sign it. I signed it. I did not read it because I cannot read...I have no idea what the person who shot the officer looks like."

"The thing is, Troy never told me anything about it. I got tired of them harassing me...I told him that Troy did it, but it wasn't true."

"There was and is no doubt in my mind that the person who shot the officer had the gun and was shooting with his left hand." Davis is right-handed.

"People on the streets were talking about Sylvester Coles being involved with klling the police officer, so one day I asked him..Sylvester Coles told me he did shoot the officer."

"I am positive that it was Red [Coles] who shot the police officer...[He] was wearing a white shirt..I would have testified to this but I was not asked by the state or by Troy's lawyer."

Sylvester (Red) Coles, one of the original witnesses against Troy Davis, has since been implicated in sworn statements by 9 witnesses.

So why is Troy Davis still on Death Row?

Recent severe cuts in Georgia's resources for legal defense and changes in death penalty law have made is very difficult to mount an effective defense. Recently, Davis's two lawyers have represented 160 people on Death Row alone. The Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, passed in 1996, increased restrictions on reviews. So far, no court will even hear the case, so the new evidence has never been heard.

The Death Penalty should only be used in the case of incontrovertible, iron-tight evidence, if at all. Troy Davis, if he is executed, will be the victim of lack of funds and unfair laws.

If you agree, and you cannot or do not wish to attend the rally, please go here to learn more and to sign the petition:

http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=10022