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Protesters Seek Stay of Execution for Georgia Prisoner

Demonstrators at the Federal Building on Friday say doubt surrounds the case of Troy Davis.

About 10 demonstrators gathered in front of the Federal Building in Westwood on Friday to protest the execution of death row inmate Troy Davis, who was convicted of murdering an off-duty police officer in Georgia in 1989. 

Doubt surrounds Davis' case, protesters say, and he maintains his innocence. Seven of the nine witnesses have recanted their trial testimony, stating that they were pressured and even coerced by police to testify against Davis, and no physical evidence links Davis to the crime, they argue. Supporters say that is doubt enough for a stay of execution.

“The fact that Troy Davis’ execution is even a consideration is a travesty because seven of his accusers have either changed their stories or recanted," said protester Linda Milazzo. "At least one juror has come out and said if she knew what she knows today, she wouldn’t have voted that he was guilty.”

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Milazzo acknowledged that she has mixed feelings about capital punishment. “I wrestle with it," she said. "I’d like to say no. Our system is very flawed and the possibility of an innocent man being convicted is not worth it.”

For demonstrator Marge Buckley, capital punishment is "one of the most difficult issues facing America.”

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Added protester Billion Godsun, “I’m out here to raise awareness in support of Troy Davis. I think there are way too many questions as to whether he’s guilty or innocent. … [There are] too many people of color, poor people, who they rush through the process.”

In 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court granted Davis a new hearing to review what he said was new evidence that would prove his innocence. But after the case was transferred to a Georgia judge, he rejected the claims of "new evidence."

Davis’ last chance for clemency would have to come from the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, as he appears to have exhausted his avenues of appeal.

Protesters will be rallying again Saturday in front of the CNN building on Cahuenga and Sunset from 2-6 p.m.

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