By Martin Banks - 21st September 2011
I am disappointed
Jerzy buzek
Parliament's president Jerzy Buzek is spearheading calls for a last-minute appeal to the state of Georgia to refrain from executing convicted police killer Troy Davis.
The Polish MEP has joined legislators and activists in making the call on Wednesday.
His scheduled execution was set at 7pm Georgia time on Wednesday. Davis' expected execution has drawn widespread criticism in Europe.
Amnesty International and other groups are planning a protest outside the US embassy in Paris on Wednesday.
Davis was convicted of killing a police officer but says he did not commit the crime.
Buzek said, "On behalf of the European parliament, I would like to reiterate our opposition to the death sentence imposed on Troy Davis.
"I am disappointed that the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied clemency to Davis. No matter how strong the grounds may be against him, we Europeans believe that no reason would ever be sufficient to condemn him to death.
"Whether we look at redress, deterrence or punishment, there is no justification for capital punishment - which is the ultimate cruel and inhumane punishment."
He added, "We call on all countries to enforce the implementation of the UN resolution for a universal moratorium on executions. I greatly regret that the United States, as a beacon of democracy, has not done so already."
A similar appeal was made by Clare Bracey, campaign manager with Amnesty International UK, who said, "This is the fourth time that Troy's execution date has been set. There is hope: last time Troy came within two hours of the set execution time. But time is running out.
"We are devastated at by the Parole Board's decision not to grant Troy clemency but we will continue to campaign relentlessly for justice for Troy until his scheduled execution.
"We must keep the pressure on the Board, and let them know that the world is watching.
"We need to get as much support as possible to do this: please urgently encourage your friends, family and colleagues to take action today at amnesty.org.uk/troy."
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