Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], 212-633-4150
(New York) – Following the announcement that Marcus Ray Johnson was granted a stay of execution, Laura Moye, Death Penalty Abolition Campaign director at Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), released the following statement:
"Amnesty International welcomes news of the stay of execution for Georgia prisoner Marcus Ray Johnson ordered today by Albany’s Superior Court Judge Willie Lockette. In light of the doubts about Johnson’s guilt and the new availability of evidence that can be tested, Amnesty International praises Judge Lockette for demonstrating reason and caution. Amnesty International hopes that this is a sign that there is greater concern in Georgia about the fallibility of the death penalty, especially on the heels of the outrageous and unnecessary execution of Troy Davis."
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom and dignity are denied.
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For more information, please visit www.amnestyusa.org/deathpenalty.