This month, the USA distinguishes itself: a woman is scheduled to be murdered (Teresa Lewis, first woman to be executed in Virginia since 1912, with an IQ just above 70) while another woman (Gaile Owens) saw her death sentence commuted. A mentally disabled man (Holly Wood, with an IQ of 64, below the Supreme Court ‘Atkins v. Virginia’ ruling) is also scheduled to be murdered. Another seriously mentally ill person (Cal Coburn Brown) is scheduled to be murdered by the State of Washington. Notably, there are NO executions scheduled in September in Texas, where ‘Journey of Hope…From Violence to Healing’ will travel from October 15 to 31.

Please help STOP THESE EXECUTIONS and ACT to Abolish the Death Penalty in the USA.
Thank you! GD

URGENT ACTION NEEDED NOW!
(Please note that these dates are only tentative. Dates are subject to change due to stays and appeals)

September 2 (>> September 9) – Alabama – Holly WOOD
EXECUTED
Contact the Governor
Sign the Petition on Change
Sign the Amnesty International Urgent Action
Read the Post on Reprieve

September 10 – Washington - Cal Coburn BROWN
Contact the Governor
Sign the ACLU of Washington Petition
Sign the Equal Justice USA Petition
Washington Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

September 14 – Pennsylvania – Anthony DICK
STAY LIKELY
Contact the Governor
Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

September 15 – Ohio – Kevin KEITH
SENTENCE COMMUTED TO LIFE
Contact the Governor
Governor’s Statement Regarding Clemency Application of Kevin Keith
Sign the Petition on Care2
Sign the Petition on Change
Information Website
Ohioans to Stop Executions

September 16 – Kentucky - Gregory WILSON
Contact the Governor
The Kentucky Coalition To Abolish the Death Penalty

September 16 – Pennsylvania – Brentt SHERWOOD
STAY LIKELY
Contact the Governor
Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

September 23 – Virginia – Teresa LEWIS
Contact the Governor
Information Website
Sign the Petition
Sign the Petition on Change
Sign the Petition on Care2

September 28 – Tennessee – Gaile OWENS
SENTENCE COMMUTED TO LIFE
Contact the Governor
Read the commutation order
Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

September 29 – California – Albert BROWN
ALL EXECUTIONS STAYED IN CALIFORNIA
Contact the Governor
Death Penalty Focus

For ALL executions in Texas:

• WRITE a letter to the TX Parole Board Clemency Section, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles8610 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78757-6814
• FAX the TX Parole Board +1-512-467-0945
• PHONE the TX Parole Board +1-512-406-5852

• CONTACT the Governor
• FAX the Governor +1-512-463-1849
• PHONE the Governor 1-800-252-9600 if in TX, or +1-512-463-1782 if outside TX or USA

What to tell Governors and Boards of Pardons and Parole?

• Write. Phone. Fax. Tell them you oppose the death penalty. Tell why you request clemency. Ask to be merciful. Remember that a simple “I oppose the execution” is enough to show that the execution is noticed and not supported.
• State your concern that executions continue to take place despite increasing public recognition of the inherent flaws and failures of the death penalty system.
• Express outrage and alarm at the high number of executions taking place in the USA.
• Urge the Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend clemency. Urge the Governor to stop the execution.

Already 37 human beings executed in the USA in 2010
(Date – Number since 1977 – US State – Name)

1. Jan.7 – #1,193 – Ohio – Abdullah Sharif Kaazim MAHDI (f/k/a Vernon Lamont SMITH)
2. Jan.7 – #1,194 – Louisiana – Gerald BORDELON
3. Jan.7 – #1,195 – Texas – Kenneth MOSLEY
4. Jan.12 – #1,196 – Texas – Gary JOHNSON
5. Jan.14 – #1,197 – Oklahoma – Julius YOUNG
6. Feb.4 – #1,198 – Ohio – Mark BROWN
7. Feb.16 – #1,199 – Florida – Martin GROSSMAN
8. Mar.2 – #1,200 – Texas – Michael SIGALA
9. Mar.11 – #1,201 – Texas – Joshua MAXWELL
10. Mar.16 – #1,202 – Ohio – Lawrence REYNOLDS
11. Mar.18 – #1,203 – Virginia – Paul Warner POWELL
12. Mar.30 – #1,204 – Texas – Franklin Dewayne ALIX
13. Apr.20 – #1,205 – Ohio – Darryl DURR
14. Apr.22 – #1,206 – Texas – William Josef BERKLEY
15. Apr.27 – #1,207 – Texas – Samuel BUSTAMANTE
16. May 12 – #1,208 – Texas – Kevin VARGA
17. May 13 – #1,209 – Ohio – Michael BEUKE
18. May 13 – #1,210 – Texas – Billy GALLOWAY
19. May 19 – #1,211 – Mississippi – Paul Everette WOODWARD
20. May 19 – #1,212 – Texas – Rogelio CANNADY
21. May 20 – #1,213 – Mississippi – Gerald James HOLLAND
22. May 20 – #1,214 – Virginia – Darick WALKER
23. May 25 – #1,215 – Texas – John ALBA
24. May 27 – #1,216 – Alabama – Thomas WHISENHANT
25. June 2 – #1,217 – Texas – George JONES
26. June 9 – #1,218 – Georgia – Melbert FORD
27. June 10 – #1,219 – Alabama – John Forrest PARKER
28. June 15 – #1,220 – Texas – David Lee POWELL
29. June 18 – #1,221 – Utah – Ronnie Lee GARDNER
30. July 1 – #1,222 – Texas – Michael PERRY
31. July 13 – #1,223 – Ohio – William L. GARNER
32. July 20 – #1,224 – Texas – Derrick Leon JACKSON
33. July 21 – #1,225 – Mississippi – Joseph Daniel BURNS
34. August 10 – #1,226 – Ohio – Roderick DAVIE
35. August 12 – #1,227 - Alabama – Michael Jeffrey LAND
36. August 17 – #1,228 – Texas – Peter Anthony CANTU
37. September 9 – #1,229 –  Alabama – Holly WOOD

In August 2010, 9 human beings are scheduled to be executed in the USA.

Please help STOP THESE EXECUTIONS and ACT to Abolish the Death Penalty in the USA.
Thank you! GD

URGENT ACTION NEEDED NOW!
(Please note that these dates are only tentative. Dates are subject to change due to stays and appeals)

August 10 – Ohio – Roderick DAVIE
EXECUTED
Contact the Governor
Governor’s Statement Regarding Parole Board Recommendation
Ohioans to Stop Executions

August 12 – Alabama – Michael Jeffrey LAND
EXECUTED
Contact the Governor

August 16 – Nevada – Tamir HAMILTON
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor

August 17 – Oklahoma – Jeffrey David MATTHEWS
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor
Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

August 17 – Texas – Peter Anthony CANTU
EXECUTED
See information below, TX section

August 17 – Pennsylvania – James VanDIVNER
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor

August 18 – Pennsylvania – Anthony FLETCHER
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor

August 19 – Pennsylvania – Dennis MILLER
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor

August 24 – Pennsylvania – Bryan S. GALVIN
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor

For ALL executions in Texas:

• WRITE a letter to the TX Parole Board Clemency Section, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles8610 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78757-6814
• FAX the TX Parole Board +1-512-467-0945
• PHONE the TX Parole Board +1-512-406-5852

• CONTACT the Governor
• FAX the Governor +1-512-463-1849
• PHONE the Governor 1-800-252-9600 if in TX, or +1-512-463-1782 if outside TX or USA

What to tell Governors and Boards of Pardons and Parole?

• Write. Phone. Fax. Tell them you oppose the death penalty. Tell why you request clemency. Ask to be merciful. Remember that a simple “I oppose the execution” is enough to show that the execution is noticed and not supported.
• State your concern that executions continue to take place despite increasing public recognition of the inherent flaws and failures of the death penalty system.
• Express outrage and alarm at the high number of executions taking place in the USA.
• Urge the Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend clemency. Urge the Governor to stop the execution.

Already 36 human beings executed in the USA in 2010
(Date – Number since 1977 – US State – Name)

1. Jan.7 – #1,193 – Ohio – Abdullah Sharif Kaazim MAHDI (f/k/a Vernon Lamont SMITH)
2. Jan.7 – #1,194 – Louisiana – Gerald BORDELON
3. Jan.7 – #1,195 – Texas – Kenneth MOSLEY
4. Jan.12 – #1,196 – Texas – Gary JOHNSON
5. Jan.14 – #1,197 – Oklahoma – Julius YOUNG
6. Feb.4 – #1,198 – Ohio – Mark BROWN
7. Feb.16 – #1,199 – Florida – Martin GROSSMAN
8. Mar.2 – #1,200 – Texas – Michael SIGALA
9. Mar.11 – #1,201 – Texas – Joshua MAXWELL
10. Mar.16 – #1,202 – Ohio – Lawrence REYNOLDS
11. Mar.18 – #1,203 – Virginia – Paul Warner POWELL
12. Mar.30 – #1,204 – Texas – Franklin Dewayne ALIX
13. Apr.20 – #1,205 – Ohio – Darryl DURR
14. Apr.22 – #1,206 – Texas – William Josef BERKLEY
15. Apr.27 – #1,207 – Texas – Samuel BUSTAMANTE
16. May 12 – #1,208 – Texas – Kevin VARGA
17. May 13 – #1,209 – Ohio – Michael BEUKE
18. May 13 – #1,210 – Texas – Billy GALLOWAY
19. May 19 – #1,211 – Mississippi – Paul Everette WOODWARD
20. May 19 – #1,212 – Texas – Rogelio CANNADY
21. May 20 – #1,213 – Mississippi – Gerald James HOLLAND
22. May 20 – #1,214 – Virginia – Darick WALKER
23. May 25 – #1,215 – Texas – John ALBA
24. May 27 – #1,216 – Alabama – Thomas WHISENHANT
25. June 2 – #1,217 – Texas – George JONES
26. June 9 – #1,218 – Georgia – Melbert FORD
27. June 10 – #1,219 – Alabama – John Forrest PARKER
28. June 15 – #1,220 – Texas – David Lee POWELL
29. June 18 – #1,221 – Utah – Ronnie Lee GARDNER
30. July 1 – #1,222 – Texas – Michael PERRY
31. July 13 – #1,223 – Ohio – William L. GARNER
32. July 20 – #1,224 – Texas – Derrick Leon JACKSON
33. July 21 – #1,225 – Mississippi – Joseph Daniel BURNS
34. August 10 – #1,226 – Ohio – Roderick DAVIE
35. August 12 – #1,227 - Alabama – Michael Jeffrey LAND
36. August 17 – #1,228 – Texas – Peter Anthony CANTU

Reminiscence of a Speech given at the Fast & Vigil in front of the US Supreme Court (Washington D.C.) on July 2, 2010.

Yesterday, standing under a tree was one of ours: a lovely, tiny elderly woman showing her support for abolition.

Not far from the tree, I noticed another woman holding a big sign that read “KAGAN LESBIAN” and “NO TO GAY MARRIAGE”. She was standing close to a group of people who were also holding signs to protest against various issues, including Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. It was clear that on one side of the pavement, the group was motivated by hate, while on the other side of the pavement, our activists were fighting the death penalty and displaying love for all of humanity.

I approached the young woman and asked her if she could explain her “No To Gay Marriage” sign. She began by telling me that Elena Kagan was a lesbian (which remains to be confirmed), that she would surely use her position to push for gay marriage throughout the USA (if only!), and that she needed to be stopped. At that moment, another woman joined the first one and stated that “marriage is between a man and a woman only”. I replied that I should be allowed to marry my partner and that discrimination was not the way to go. They were totally shocked and immediately began insulting me, saying that I was “Satan”, and from that point on, there was no possibility for me to be heard. I nevertheless asked why they would refuse me the right to marry the person I love, that the love for my partner was as meaningful as any other love shared between two consenting adults. They kept screaming that I was “sick” and tried to avoid me. I just had the time to add: “Do you know what my friends and I are doing right now in front of the Supreme Court? We are fighting the death penalty in the USA, where black people like you (yes, those women were Afro Americans) are executed at a higher rate than white people. I am protecting your right to life and you are trying to rob me of my right to marry.” I left, utterly disgusted and hurt. I had NEVER experienced anything quite like that.

We are all connected. We are all connected even if we do not think that we are.

I come from a country where, not long ago, human beings were tied to a wooden board, alive, and cut in two. Literally. It took great moral wisdom and immense political courage to stop this shame and horror. With a pro-death penalty President, and without political courage among most State governors, there might be little hope to see capital punishment being abolished anytime soon in this country. But the whole world is looking at the USA, and two-thirds of our world is supporting your fight for an “America that does not execute”. But the USA must be open and embrace the world. We will never win this struggle if we do not collaborate on an international level, if we refuse to see that we are all connected. As I always say: “You and only you will abolish the death penalty in your country.” On that day, however, we will be with you to celebrate. Throughout this long journey, we were wise and brave enough to understand the necessity to abolish slavery and torture. The next step is the universal abolition of the death penalty. We must turn from violence to healing, from vengeance to compassion. Our journey continues and it is a journey of hope.

The USA aspires to be a leader in human rights and to set an example for the whole world. In fact, the only real example the USA sends out on many human rights issues is a poor example. In the fight against the death penalty, several countries of the world (China, Japan, Taiwan…) have no intention of getting rid of capital punishment because the USA keeps executing its citizens (and those of other countries). In 9, and possibly soon 10 countries, homosexuals and/or people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are already criminalized and subjected to the death penalty because of who they love or because of a virus that already has a devastating impact on them. The un-equal rights for the American LGBT community sets a very bad example for the rest of the world.

In March 2009, three American evangelical “Christians” flew to Uganda and gave a series of talks on The dangers of homosexuality, on how to convert gays into heterosexuals, and explained why HIV-positive homosexuals “often contaminate teenagers”. Then they left.

A month later, on April 20, 2009, the first draft of an Anti-Homosexuality Bill was created. The proposed legislation defines a new crime of “aggravated homosexuality” for those who engage in sex with someone under the age of 18, who are HIV-positive, who is a “repeat offender” (so broadly defined as to include anyone who has had a relationship with more than one person, or who had sex with the same person more than once), or who had sex with a disabled person (consensual or not). The penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”: death by hanging.

The three Americans were helped by many others, notably by members of the American secretive group The Family (sometimes known as The Fellowship). There are some very interesting names in this family, well-known amongst US politicians, including South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford. A man who is against same-sex marriage and civil unions, and who voted against allowing gay couples adopt children. A man who – when spotted – admitted having an extramarital affair. A man who not only is in favour of a harsher death penalty, but who, as Governor, has sole authority to grant clemency. A man who authorized 14 executions since 2003.

We are all connected you see.

I have been fighting this anti-human rights bill for a long time now. As the administrator of the Red Ribbon Army, a Facebook page with over 500,000 members, I repeatedly alert people against the criminalization of homosexuality and HIV/AIDS. I wish more members would take action. I wish the 1.2 million who gathered at the San Francisco Pride in 2009 (and those for the 2010 edition) would have shown their pride AND their support towards their brothers and sisters in Uganda and the rest of the world. In Paris, during the 2010 Gay Pride, ECPM (Ensemble Contre la Peine de Mort) activists marched along a truck carrying gallows, one for each country that still kills homosexuals: Nigeria, Sudan, Yemen, Mauritania, United Arab Emirates – a popular destination among gays (just saying…) – Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan (think about it next time you unroll the red carpet for Hamid Karzai…), Pakistan, and Iran (where gays are hanged before they had a chance to become adults). ECPM invited participants to sign their petition “HOMOS EN DANGER, L’OUGANDA VA VOTER ! / NO GAYS TO THE SCAFFOLD!” and many signatures were collected.

As I said, we are all connected. And some show solidarity more than others.

In November 2008, members of the LGBT community broadly supported Obama, allowing him to become the first Black President of the USA. Simultaneously in California, the infamous Proposition 8 (“Eliminates Rights of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.”) was passed with a 58 percent support among blacks who voted, well above the 52 percent Prop. 8 received from all voters. Much of that can be attributed to the strong religious tradition in the black community. Just like the two black women who attacked me yesterday, a lot of hate is generated instead of spreading the message of love.

A few months later (end of July 2009), CA Gov. Schwarzenegger (a European who sadly forgot the beauty of our death penalty-free zone) announced a minimum of  $52 million budget cut in services from HIV/AIDS to child health care to domestic violence victim. Meanwhile, he wants to spend $400 million to construct a new death row facility. With over 700 condemned human beings, the death penalty system cost California taxpayers $137 million each year, whereas permanent imprisonment for all those currently on death row would cost $11 million/year. If everyone currently sentenced to execution were sentenced to permanent imprisonment instead, California taxpayers would save $1 billion in five years. California wastes money that could – and should – be used to recruit and pay more teachers, nurses, firefighters. The current worldwide financial situation touches us all, not just California. Although I deplore its growing impact on the American people, it might have one positive consequence: the abolition of the death penalty in the USA. I would prefer to see it abolished for moral reasons, but I will settle for economical ones if necessary.

I told you, we are all connected. We are all part of a large group of people called Humanity.

In July 2010, 6 human beings are scheduled to be executed in the USA.

Please help STOP THESE EXECUTIONS and ACT to Abolish the Death Penalty in the USA.
Thank you! GD

URGENT ACTION NEEDED NOW!
(Please note that these dates are only tentative. Dates are subject to change due to stays and appeals)

July 1 – Texas – Michael PERRY
See information below, TX section
EXECUTED

July 13 – Ohio – William L. GARNER
Contact the Governor
Ohioans to Stop Executions
EXECUTED

July 20 – Texas – Derrick Leon JACKSON
See information below, TX section
EXECUTED

July 20 – Oklahoma – Jeffrey David MATTHEWS
NEW EXECUTION DATE AUGUST 17
Contact the Governor
Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

July 21 – Mississippi – Joseph Daniel BURNS
Contact the Governor
Mississippians Educating for Smart Justice
EXECUTED

July 22 – Pennsylvania – Jermont COX
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor

For ALL executions in Texas:

• WRITE a letter to the TX Parole Board Clemency Section, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles8610 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78757-6814
• FAX the TX Parole Board +1-512-467-0945
• PHONE the TX Parole Board +1-512-406-5852

• CONTACT the Governor
• FAX the Governor +1-512-463-1849
• PHONE the Governor 1-800-252-9600 if in TX, or +1-512-463-1782 if outside TX or USA

What to tell Governors and Boards of Pardons and Parole?

• Write. Phone. Fax. Tell them you oppose the death penalty. Tell why you request clemency. Ask to be merciful. Remember that a simple “I oppose the execution” is enough to show that the execution is noticed and not supported.
• State your concern that executions continue to take place despite increasing public recognition of the inherent flaws and failures of the death penalty system.
• Express outrage and alarm at the high number of executions taking place in the USA.
• Urge the Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend clemency. Urge the Governor to stop the execution.

Already 33 human beings executed in the USA in 2010
(Date – Number since 1977 – US State – Name)

1. Jan.7 – #1,193 – Ohio – Abdullah Sharif Kaazim MAHDI (f/k/a Vernon Lamont SMITH)
2. Jan.7 – #1,194 – Louisiana – Gerald BORDELON
3. Jan.7 – #1,195 – Texas – Kenneth MOSLEY
4. Jan.12 – #1,196 – Texas – Gary JOHNSON
5. Jan.14 – #1,197 – Oklahoma – Julius YOUNG
6. Feb.4 – #1,198 – Ohio – Mark BROWN
7. Feb.16 – #1,199 – Florida – Martin GROSSMAN
8. Mar.2 – #1,200 – Texas – Michael SIGALA
9. Mar.11 – #1,201 – Texas – Joshua MAXWELL
10. Mar.16 – #1,202 – Ohio – Lawrence REYNOLDS
11. Mar.18 – #1,203 – Virginia – Paul Warner POWELL
12. Mar.30 – #1,204 – Texas – Franklin Dewayne ALIX
13. Apr.20 – #1,205 – Ohio – Darryl DURR
14. Apr.22 – #1,206 – Texas – William Josef BERKLEY
15. Apr.27 – #1,207 – Texas – Samuel BUSTAMANTE
16. May 12 – #1,208 – Texas – Kevin VARGA
17. May 13 – #1,209 – Ohio – Michael BEUKE
18. May 13 – #1,210 – Texas – Billy GALLOWAY
19. May 19 – #1,211 – Mississippi – Paul Everette WOODWARD
20. May 19 – #1,212 – Texas – Rogelio CANNADY
21. May 20 – #1,213 – Mississippi – Gerald James HOLLAND
22. May 20 – #1,214 – Virginia – Darick WALKER
23. May 25 – #1,215 – Texas – John ALBA
24. May 27 – #1,216 – Alabama – Thomas WHISENHANT
25. June 2 – #1,217 – Texas – George JONES
26. June 9 – #1,218 – Georgia – Melbert FORD
27. June 10 – #1,219 – Alabama – John Forrest PARKER
28. June 15 – #1,220 – Texas – David Lee POWELL
29. June 18 – #1,221 – Utah – Ronnie Lee GARDNER
30. July 1 – #1,222 – Texas – Michael PERRY
31. July 13 – #1,223 – Ohio – William L. GARNER
32. July 20 – #1,224 – Texas – Derrick Leon JACKSON
33. July 21 – #1,225 – Mississippi – Joseph Daniel BURNS

What do you do when you feel ashamed of something you are doing? Especially when you know that what you are doing is wrong? When you know that others will disapprove?

You hide yourself and prevent others from seeing what you’re doing. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) would like to do precisely that: they want to resume state-sanctioned murders for the 700 human beings currently on California Death Row and they don’t want you to know.

In January 2010, over 8,000 letters were sent by individuals who voiced their opposition to proposed changes to the state’s lethal injection process. The changes were rejected, citing many of the objections raised by the public during the comment process. Less than three days after the state oversight agency rejected the regulations proposed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the CDCR has proposed new changes to the procedures, opening another fifteen-day comment period. These changes —made practically overnight— create even more civil rights and civil liberties problems, not fewer: read the detailed analysis of the current changes to the California Lethal Injection Procedure here and then tell the CDCR that you disapprove.

In 1999, California executed a citizen of Thailand. Mr. Jaturun Siripongs was not informed by U.S. authorities upon arrest of his right to have his consulate notified of his detention, as required under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Ten years later, on July 26, 2009, a Mexican citizen, Miguel Angel Martinez, died in custody in California. His consulate was also not informed upon his arrest.

As of March 14, 2010, there are 56 reported foreign nationals under sentence of death in California, including a European citizen from Estonia. For at least 33 of them, there is a possible or confirmed violation of their consular rights.

You think this is revolting? There’s more! The CDCR may currently be trying to exclude reporters who are foreign nationals from witnessing executions. Yes, they want to execute behind closed doors and they do not want the world to know. But the world knows. And two-thirds of the world disapproves! Tell them again! Remind them about the First Amendment to the United States Constitution: ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.’ And why not reminding them also about the Eighth Amendment? ‘Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.’ Cruel and unusual punishment is a phrase describing criminal punishment which is considered unacceptable due to the suffering or humiliation it inflicts on the condemned person.

Some say capital punishment in the USA is a private matter. They tell us it is none of our business. They tell us to look away and to remain silent (meanwhile, they also want to teach us about human rights). I object to this! There are issues that rise above national level. When a majority of countries have said no to executions, the minority needs to understand that the world is moving forward and that, eventually, capital punishment will be universally abolished. It is only a matter of time.

If you are part of the majority, tell the minority that there is NO right way to do the wrong thing! If you are part of the minority, listen to the voice of the world!

You have until Friday, June 25, 5 pm Pacific Daylight Time (GMT -7) to do so. Here are several possibilities, some will take only 1 minute of your time:

• Fill in your details and click to send the pre-written message via the secure ACLU of Northern California website
• Join Death Penalty Focus in Saying NO to Executions!
• Submit your letter by email right now to rpmb@cdcr.ca.gov (please add Elizabeth Zitrin, DP Focus International Outreach and Communications Project, ezitrin @ deathpenalty.org as copy to your email)
• Download a sample letter in French or English, personalize it if you wish and make it as long as you want. Then email it (as described above). You are even encouraged to write in your own language!

Remember that in this case “more IS more!” Let your friends know, share on social networks, and let’s get more than 8,000 letters this time! Thank you!

In June 2010, 8 human beings are scheduled to be executed in the USA.

Please help STOP THESE EXECUTIONS and ACT to Abolish the Death Penalty in the USA.
Thank you! GD

URGENT ACTION NEEDED NOW!
(Please note that these dates are only tentative. Dates are subject to change due to stays and appeals)

June 2 – Texas – George JONES
EXECUTED
See information below, TX section

June 9 – Georgia – Melbert FORD
EXECUTED
Contact the Governor
Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

June 10 – Ohio – Richard NIELDS
CLEMENCY GRANTED – LIFE WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE
Contact the Governor
Ohioans to Stop Executions

June 10 – Alabama – John Forrest PARKER
EXECUTED
Contact the Governor
Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty (Alabama)

June 15 – Texas – David Lee POWELL
EXECUTED
See information below, TX section

June 17 – Oklahoma – Jeffrey MATTHEWS
REPRIEVE 60 DAYS
Contact the Governor
Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

June 18 – Utah – Ronnie Lee GARDNER
CHOSE FIRING SQUAD – EXECUTED
Contact the Governor
Utahns for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

June 30 – Texas – Jonathan GREEN
EXECUTION STAYED
See information below, TX section

For ALL executions in Texas:

• WRITE a letter to the TX Parole Board Clemency Section, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles8610 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78757-6814
• FAX the TX Parole Board +1-512-467-0945
• PHONE the TX Parole Board +1-512-406-5852

• CONTACT the Governor
• FAX the Governor +1-512-463-1849
• PHONE the Governor 1-800-252-9600 if in TX, or +1-512-463-1782 if outside TX or USA

What to tell Governors and Boards of Pardons and Parole?

• Write. Phone. Fax. Tell them you oppose the death penalty. Tell why you request clemency. Ask to be merciful. Remember that a simple “I oppose the execution” is enough to show that the execution is noticed and not supported.
• State your concern that executions continue to take place despite increasing public recognition of the inherent flaws and failures of the death penalty system.
• Express outrage and alarm at the high number of executions taking place in the USA.
• Urge the Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend clemency. Urge the Governor to stop the execution.

Already 29 human beings executed in the USA in 2010
(Date – Number since 1977 – US State – Name)

1. Jan.7 – #1,193 – Ohio – Abdullah Sharif Kaazim MAHDI (f/k/a Vernon Lamont SMITH)
2. Jan.7 – #1,194 – Louisiana – Gerald BORDELON
3. Jan.7 – #1,195 – Texas – Kenneth MOSLEY
4. Jan.12 – #1,196 – Texas – Gary JOHNSON
5. Jan.14 – #1,197 – Oklahoma – Julius YOUNG
6. Feb.4 – #1,198 – Ohio – Mark BROWN
7. Feb.16 – #1,199 – Florida – Martin GROSSMAN
8. Mar.2 – #1,200 – Texas – Michael SIGALA
9. Mar.11 – #1,201 – Texas – Joshua MAXWELL
10. Mar.16 – #1,202 – Ohio – Lawrence REYNOLDS
11. Mar.18 – #1,203 – Virginia – Paul Warner POWELL
12. Mar.30 – #1,204 – Texas – Franklin Dewayne ALIX
13. Apr.20 – #1,205 – Ohio – Darryl DURR
14. Apr.22 – #1,206 – Texas – William Josef BERKLEY
15. Apr.27 – #1,207 – Texas – Samuel BUSTAMANTE
16. May 12 – #1,208 – Texas – Kevin VARGA
17. May 13 – #1,209 – Ohio – Michael BEUKE
18. May 13 – #1,210 – Texas – Billy GALLOWAY
19. May 19 – #1,211 – Mississippi – Paul Everette WOODWARD
20. May 19 – #1,212 – Texas – Rogelio CANNADY
21. May 20 – #1,213 – Mississippi – Gerald James HOLLAND
22. May 20 – #1,214 – Virginia – Darick WALKER
23. May 25 – #1,215 – Texas – John ALBA
24. May 27 – #1,216 – Alabama – Thomas WHISENHANT
25. June 2 – #1,217 – Texas – George JONES
26. June 9 – #1,218 – Georgia – Melbert FORD
27. June 10 – #1,219 – Alabama – John Forrest PARKER
28. June 15 – #1,220 – Texas – David Lee POWELL
29. June 18 – #1,221 – Utah – Ronnie Lee GARDNER

From this terrible ordeal came a miraculous and life-changing vocation for Bill: the realization that his grandmother, a kind and forgiving person, would not have wanted to see Paula Cooper die on the electric chair. He engaged in a worldwide crusade to save Paula’s life and, along the way, touched the lives of many, including mine.

Paula Cooper has not been executed and is serving a 60-year sentence in prison.
Bill Pelke founded the ‘Journey of Hope…From Violence to Healing‘ and dedicated his life to the abolition of the death penalty.
Ruth ‘Nana’ Pelke has surely been smiling and watching over her grandson for the past 25 years, and will continue to do so for the many years to come.

25 years is a long time… For everyone involved…
Please spare a thought for them… Thank you.

Please help STOP THESE EXECUTIONS and ACT to Abolish the Death Penalty in the USA.

Thank you for your help!
GD

URGENT ACTION NEEDED NOW!
(Please note that these dates are only tentative. Dates are subject to change due to stays and appeals)

May 4 – Arkansas – Stacey Eugene JOHNSON
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor
Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

May 12 – Texas – Kevin VARGA
See information below, TX section
EXECUTED

May 13 – Ohio – Michael BEUKE
Contact the Governor
Ohioans to Stop Executions
EXECUTED

May 13 – Texas – Billy GALLOWAY
See information below, TX section
EXECUTED

May 19 – Tennessee – Marlon Duane KISER
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor
Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

May 19 – Georgia – Melbert FORD
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor
Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

May 19 – Mississippi – Paul Everette WOODWARD
EXECUTED
Contact the Governor
Mississippians Educating for Smart Justice

May 19 – Texas – Rogelio CANNADY
See information below, TX section
EXECUTED

May 20 – Mississippi – Gerald James HOLLAND
EXECUTED
Contact the Governor
Mississippians Educating for Smart Justice

May 20 – Texas – Richard Lee TABLER
EXECUTION STAYED

May 20 – Virginia – Darick WALKER
EXECUTED
Contact the Governor
Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

May 24 – Arkansas – Jack Harold JONES Jr.
EXECUTION STAYED
Contact the Governor
Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

May 25 – Texas – John ALBA
See information below, TX section
EXECUTED

May 25 – Oklahoma – Richard T. SMITH
Death sentence commuted to life without possibility of parole
Contact the Governor
Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
Amnesty International Urgent Action

May 27 – Alabama – Thomas WHISENHANT
EXECUTED
Contact the Governor

For ALL executions in Texas:

• WRITE a letter to the TX Parole Board Clemency Section, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles8610 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78757-6814
• FAX the TX Parole Board +1-512-467-0945
• PHONE the TX Parole Board +1-512-406-5852

• CONTACT the Governor
• FAX the Governor +1-512-463-1849
• PHONE the Governor 1-800-252-9600 if in TX, or +1-512-463-1782 if outside TX or USA

What to tell Governors and Boards of Pardons and Parole?

• Write. Phone. Fax. Tell them you oppose the death penalty. Tell why you request clemency. Ask to be merciful. Remember that a simple “I oppose the execution” is enough to show that the execution is noticed and not supported.
• State your concern that executions continue to take place despite increasing public recognition of the inherent flaws and failures of the death penalty system.
• Express outrage and alarm at the high number of executions taking place in the USA.
• Urge the Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend clemency. Urge the Governor to stop the execution.

Already 24 human beings executed in the USA in 2010
(Date – Number since 1977 – US State – Name)

1. Jan.7 – #1,193 – Ohio – Abdullah Sharif Kaazim MAHDI (f/k/a Vernon Lamont SMITH)
2. Jan.7 – #1,194 – Louisiana – Gerald BORDELON
3. Jan.7 – #1,195 – Texas – Kenneth MOSLEY
4. Jan.12 – #1,196 – Texas – Gary JOHNSON
5. Jan.14 – #1,197 – Oklahoma – Julius YOUNG
6. Feb.4 – #1,198 – Ohio – Mark BROWN
7. Feb.16 – #1,199 – Florida – Martin GROSSMAN
8. Mar.2 – #1,200 – Texas – Michael SIGALA
9. Mar.11 – #1,201 – Texas – Joshua MAXWELL
10. Mar.16 – #1,202 – Ohio – Lawrence REYNOLDS
11. Mar.18 – #1,203 – Virginia – Paul Warner POWELL
12. Mar.30 – #1,204 – Texas – Franklin Dewayne ALIX
13. Apr.20 – #1,205 – Ohio – Darryl DURR
14. Apr.22 – #1,206 – Texas – William Josef BERKLEY
15. Apr.27 – #1,207 – Texas – Samuel BUSTAMANTE
16. May 12 – #1,208 – Texas – Kevin VARGA
17. May 13 – #1,209 – Ohio – Michael BEUKE
18. May 13 – #1,210 – Texas – Billy GALLOWAY
19. May 19 – #1,211 – Mississippi – Paul Everette WOODWARD
20. May 19 – #1,212 – Texas – Rogelio CANNADY
21. May 20 – #1,213 – Mississippi – Gerald James HOLLAND
22. May 20 – #1,214 – Virginia – Darick WALKER
23. May 25 – #1,215 – Texas – John ALBA
24. May 27 – #1,216 – Alabama – Thomas WHISENHANT

Speech against the Death Penalty
London, UK – 30th of April, 2010 - In front of the U.S. Embassy

My name is Gilles Denizot, and I oppose the death penalty. It is a pleasure to stand before you and I would like to thank Reprieve for their support and for their invaluable work. It also means a lot to me to welcome and to thank my fellow activists attending this protest. Your presence is very much appreciated. Finally, I must credit three special people: Elizabeth ZITRIN, Bill PELKE and Sister Helen PREJEAN. I am honored and privileged to know you.

I come from a country where, not long ago, human beings were tied to a wooden board, alive, and cut in two. Literally. It took great moral wisdom and immense political courage to stop this shame and horror. True, some of those who have been put to death had committed terrible acts that needed to be punished. But killing them stained our hands. This fact implies neither weakness nor sentimentality on my part. I believe that justice is about balance, a balance that needs to be restored, primarily by the offender for the victim. To achieve this and to create a healthier civilization, we need to listen to murder victims’ families, because they know that an execution never brings closure. We must turn from violence to healing, from vengeance to compassion. Throughout this long journey, we were wise and brave enough to understand the necessity to abolish slavery and torture. The next step is the universal abolition of the death penalty. Our journey continues and it is a journey of hope.

There is much to say against capital punishment, but today, with your permission, I would like to focus on death row inmates, our brothers and sisters in humanity. Let me share some personal stories.

‘You have a voice and people listen to your voice. You have a voice and I have none.’

These were the very first words I received from a death row inmate. I am his voice today. The voice of Anthony Shawn MEDINA. Since September 13, 1996, Texas calls him 999204, I call him Tony.

On this very day, I lend my voice to all human beings on death row, and especially:

• Linda CARTY. A woman, a mother, a grandmother, a British passport-holder on Texas death row, now dangerously close to execution. Do we need another reason to protest? The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, ratified by the US in 1969 without reservation, requires that consular officials be notified of the arrest and/or detention of one of their nationals. The U.S. Department of State explains: ‘Our most important function as consular officers is to protect and assist private U.S. citizens or nationals traveling or residing abroad. Few of our citizens need that assistance more than those who have been arrested in a foreign country or imprisoned in a foreign jail.’ When did the British government hear about Linda Carty’s case? Only after she was sentenced to death. In this time of election, I urge you to bring Linda Carty’s case to bear. Because the U.S. executes women, I oppose the death penalty. Because the U.S. does not respect international treaties and executes foreign nationals, I oppose the death penalty.

• Hank SKINNER. Husband of my friend Sandrine, both of them figures of the abolition movement. 15 years on Texas death row, most of them in disciplinary confinement, banned from visitation and letters for years. No eyewitnesses to the crime, no confession, no apparent motive. The key State witness admitting to have lied. DNA tests which have been repeatedly refused. An appointed lawyer who happens to be the former District Attorney in a case now prosecuted by his successor. Three days ago, a New York Times’ editorial stated: ‘The right to a fair hearing, before an impartial judge, is at the heart of the nation’s judicial system.’ How can one speak of fairness and impartiality when judges and prosecutors are elected? It is politics! Where is fair justice then? Because death sentences in the US are pronounced without a trustworthy trial, I oppose the death penalty and I raise my voice today for Hank Skinner.

• Jeff WOOD. The brother of my friend Terri Been, the uncle of Gavin, Nick and Nathan and family member of the Kids Against the Death Penalty who are holding a ‘Voices for Death Row Inmates’ protest in Austin, Texas as I speak. Convicted of, and I quote ‘killing a convenience store clerk during a January 1996 robbery’ unquote. Yet, Jeff did not kill anyone, he was not even present in the shop when the murder occurred. The actual killer has already been executed. This is the ignominious Texas Law of Parties: the Code of Criminal Procedures permits the infliction of the death penalty if the jury believes that the defendant neglected to ‘anticipate that a human life would be taken.’ Furthermore, Jeff suffers from severe mental, emotional, and learning disabilities. He was abused and beaten repeatedly as a child. He is submissive to dominant behavior because of such. Jeff had no council present during his interrogation by the police. He was found not mentally fit to stand trial. Jeff had no witnesses speaking on his behalf during the punishment phase of his trial. Because Texas kills human beings who have not killed, I oppose the death penalty. Because the US continues to execute human beings showing evident signs of mental retardation, I oppose the death penalty.

• Justin WOLFE. The son of my friend Terri Steinberg. At the age of 20, Justin Wolfe, was sentenced to death for a murder he did not commit. Justin has been on Virginia’s death row since 2002 and has already had two stays of execution. If executed, Justin would be the first person that we know of in the state of Virginia to be put to death for a murder he neither committed nor was present at. The actual killer initially implicated Justin in exchange for immunity for the death sentence. Justin was tried and it took only five minutes for the jury to hand down a death sentence. Justin became the state’s youngest death-row inmate. Five years later, the actual killer admits by sworn affidavit that he lied to the jury about Wolfe’s involvement in the murder, to avoid the death penalty and to satisfy prosecutors. ‘Justin had nothing to do with the killing’, he said in the affidavit. So why is Justin still on death row? Because the Virginia Supreme Court rules give criminal defendants only 21 days after sentencing to make a claim of innocence to the trial judge based on new evidence. That’s the fastest deadline in the country. Since the killer’s confession arrived in 2007, it is not acceptable. I’ll tell you what is not acceptable: it is unacceptable to send a 20-year old innocent to death row and it is unacceptable to leave him there even one more day! Because deals are made that send innocent people to death row while the guilty are not punished, I must, in the name of true justice, oppose the death penalty. Because US laws increasingly prevent crucial evidence to be presented, evidence that could save lives, I oppose the death penalty and I appeal to Tim Kaine, the Virginia governor who personally opposes the death penalty, to do the right thing and show justice for Justin Wolfe.

In the name of justice, I also raise my voice today for Louis Castro PEREZ, the brother of my friend Delia Perez Meyer, another man trapped in the unfair American justice system. I remember the son of my friend Donna Jean Chamberlain, Karl Eugene CHAMBERLAIN, executed june 11, 2008 by Texas. I raise my voice for David Lee POWELL, who after serving 32 years on Texas death row is now scheduled to be executed on June 15. Because US death row inmates often get life AND death, because this is torture and torture is prohibited, I oppose the death penalty and all cruel and unusual punishments.

In the name of justice, I shout from the rooftops today that Cameron Todd WILLINGHAM was innocent and that Texas not only executed him but is now trying to conceal its error. I say that Gabriel GONZALEZ, husband of my friend Carolina, spent 15 years on Texas death row for a crime he did not commit. On February 1st, 2010, he luckily was re-sentenced to life and we now have only one year to collect the money for the trial that may exonerate him. Since 1973, 138 human beings, falsely accused and sent to US death rows have been exonerated and set free. Some stayed there for as much as 33 years! How many ‘Dead men walking’ could now be very much alive, like my friends Ray KRONE and Curtis McCARTY? These men were saved not thanks to the system, but despite the system!

I declare that the death penalty does not work, it only creates more victims whose voices we do not hear, it wastes precious money for death rather than using it for life, it legitimates violence, teaches violence and encourages violence. I claim that when a government ignores overwhelming evidence and keeps on killing to show that killing is wrong, this government is not a democracy. I respectfully, yet firmly say to the US citizens: ‘Be the democratic leaders you crave to be. Abolish the death penalty, like more than two-thirds of our world already have. It is not a matter whether it will be abolished, because abolition is moving! The question is: how long are you going to remain behind us all? What have you in common with Indonesia, where Serge ATLAOUI, the husband of my friend Sabine, is sentenced to death? What have you in common with Uganda, where my brothers and sisters who live with HIV and AIDS are targeted to die? What have you in common with Iran, where at least 27 executions have taken place in the last 20 days, where my LGBT brothers and sisters are hanged before they had a chance to become adults, where women are stoned to death by a bloodthirsty crowd? What have you in common with Japan, where death row inmates are suddenly awaken and hanged without even letting their families know until after the execution? What have you in common with China, where human beings are executed to provide organs for transplants and where executions are carried out each year by the thousands? I’ll tell you what you unfortunately (but not inevitably) have in common: your government also kills human beings and your government kills these human beings in your name. Therefore I ask you, my American friends: How long will you wait before shouting: ‘Not in our names!’

‘You have a voice and I have none’ says my friend Tony MEDINA. Activists! Let us be the voices for death row inmates, in the USA, and around the world, wherever human beings still are put to death in the name of justice. Today and until the right to life really becomes the first human right, let us raise our voices!

Thank you!

In April 2010, 6 human beings, including a woman, are scheduled to be executed in the USA. A total of 15 have already been executed in 2010 (see below).

Please help STOP THESE EXECUTIONS and ACT to Abolish the Death Penalty in the USA.

Thank you for your help!

GD

URGENT ACTION NEEDED NOW:

(Please note that these dates are only tentative. Dates are subject to change due to stays and appeals)

EXECUTION STAYED until May 4

Contact the Governor

Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

EXECUTION STAYED

Contact the Governor

Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

EXECUTED

Contact the Governor

Ohioans to Stop Executions

EXECUTED

See information below, TX section

EXECUTION STAYED

Contact the Governor

EXECUTED

See information below, TX section

Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty – Clemency Campaign

For ALL executions in Texas:

• WRITE a letter to the TX Parole Board Clemency Section, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

  8610 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX  78757-6814

• FAX the TX Parole Board +1-512-467-0945
• PHONE the TX Parole Board +1-512-406-5852

• CONTACT the Governor
• FAX the Governor +1-512-463-1849
• PHONE the Governor 1-800-252-9600 if in TX, or +1-512-463-1782 if outside TX or USA

What to tell Governors and Boards of Pardons and Parole?

• Write. Phone. Fax. Tell them you oppose the death penalty. Tell why you request clemency. Ask to be merciful. Remember that a simple “I oppose the execution” is enough to show that the execution is noticed and not supported.
• State your concern that executions continue to take place despite increasing public recognition of the inherent flaws and failures of the death penalty system.
• Express outrage and alarm at the high number of executions taking place in the USA.
• Urge the Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend clemency. Urge the Governor to stop the execution.

Already 15 human beings executed in the USA in 2010

(Date – Number since 1977 – US State – Name)

1. Jan.7 – #1,193 – Ohio – Abdullah Sharif Kaazim MAHDI (f/k/a Vernon Lamont SMITH)
2. Jan.7 – #1,194 – Louisiana – Gerald BORDELON
3. Jan.7 – #1,195 – Texas – Kenneth MOSLEY
4. Jan.12 – #1,196 – Texas – Gary JOHNSON
5. Jan.14 – #1,197 – Oklahoma – Julius YOUNG
6. Feb.4 – #1,198 – Ohio – Mark BROWN
7. Feb.16 – #1,199 – Florida – Martin GROSSMAN
8. Mar.2 – #1,200 – Texas – Michael SIGALA
9. Mar.11 – #1,201 – Texas – Joshua MAXWELL
10. Mar.16 – #1,202 – Ohio – Lawrence REYNOLDS
11. Mar.18 – #1,203 – Virginia – Paul Warner POWELL
12. Mar.30 – #1,204 – Texas – Franklin Dewayne ALIX
13. Apr.20 – #1,205 – Ohio – Darryl DURR
14. Apr.22 – #1,206 – Texas - William Josef BERKLEY
15. Apr.27 – #1,207 – Texas – Samuel BUSTAMANTE