In a high-profile death penalty case in the USA, Troy Davis's appeal for clemency has been rejected and he has been executed by the US State of Georgia.
Mr Davis was convicted of murdering a police officer; however, there is no physical evidence to associate him with the killing. Seven of the nine witnesses have withdrawn their testimonies since his conviction. In the course of his final words, Mr Davis said to the police officer's family "The incident that night is not my fault. I did not have a gun. I did not personally kill your son, father and brother. I am innocent."
Thomas Ruffin, defence attorney explained Davis's execution in terms of the racial and social framework in the South, noting the significant number of black inmates held in Georgia's prisons.
Colm O'Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland commented "despite unprecedented calls for mercy from Ireland and around the world the state of Georgia has seen fit to put a man to death despite serious doubts about his guilt. It is an act of utter contempt for the right to life and to justice."
Click here to view a press release by Amnesty.
Click here to view a piece by the Human Rights in Ireland Blog.
Click here to view information about the Innocence project at Griffith College in Ireland, an example of a clinical legal education programme where law students work on cases of wrongful convictions.