Social media is the launchpad for the 11th hour effort to save Troy Davis. A number of celebrities including Russell Simmons, Diddy and Big Boi of Outkast have taken to social media to raise awareness for the last minute protest. Using hashtags like #TooMuchDoubt and #TroyDavis, Twitter and Facebook have seen celebs join a number of political and social organizations in their plea for clemency for Davis.
Davis was convicted of killing police officer Mark MacPhail at a Georgia Burger King restaurant in 1989. MacPhail, who was working as security at the fast food restaurant, intervened in a fight that Davis allegedly was a part of. The murder weapon was never found, and no physical evidence linked Davis to the crime yet he was sentenced to death in August 1991. Through out the appeals process Davis has maintained his innocence. Since then a number of witnesses have recanted their testimony with some claiming police coercion, but the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles on Tuesday denied Davis clemency. Amnesty International, the NAACP and a number of organizations have been working on Davis’ behalf and hope the social media out reach will keep the case in the spotlight.
Currently there is a protest scheduled for today at 4pm the prison in Jackson Georgia where Davis is being held.
for more info on the petition for Troy Davis check HERE