Two years after Troy Davis’ execution, our fight to end the death penalty lives

Troy Davis
We are Troy Davis

originally by: The Guardian 
published: 21 September 2013

On 21 September 2011, the state of Georgia killed Troy Anthony Davis as the world looked on, aghast that Georgia was proceeding with the execution, overlooking a mountain of evidence that pointed towards Troy’s innocence.

While much of the world has moved on, we are still in the fight to end capital punishment. Those of us who loved Troy see this two-year anniversary as more than an opportunity to mourn the death of a good man. We see this day as a chance to reflect on what Troy posthumously achieved and the charge we must all take up in his name to end the immoral practice of the death penalty.

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Mikey Powell Campaign marks a decade of struggle

Tippa Naphtali & Sieta Lambrias - Sept 2013 by Saqib Deshmukh
Picture by Saqib Deshmukh

by: Larry Fedja
published on: 13 September 2013

The family and friends of Mikey Lloyd Powell have commemorated his life 10 years after his death at the hands of West Midlands Police by holding a candlelit vigil at the police headquarters in Central Birmingham, and holding an inspirational after-event at the nearby African Caribbean Millennium Centre.

Mikey Powell 10th and final annual memorial
The image gallery from the Mikey Powell 10th Memorial Vigil at West Midlands Police HQ, Birmingham.

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West Midlands Police apologise to Powell family ahead of 10th anniversary of Mikey’s death

Mikey Powell March crowd @ 15th Nov 2003courtesy of INQUEST
published: 6 September 2013

As the family of Michael mark the 10th anniversary of his death tomorrow, Saturday 7 September, West Midlands Police have issued a formal apology for the first time.

Mikey Powell was 38 years old when he died after being detained by West Midlands Police on 7 September 2003. He had three children. He had a mental health crisis and smashed a window at the home he shared with his mother. His mother called the police for help, assuming they would take him to hospital.

During the incident that followed, the police drove a car at Mikey as fast as they could, claiming they thought he had a gun, which he did not. Mikey was injured but survived the collision. 

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