Pressing on the governor, convicted pleaded innocent
(ANSA) – WASHINGTON, NOV 18 – Tensions and protests are mounting in Oklahoma City to convince the Republican governor Kevin Sitt to commute the death sentence, expected in the next few hours, of 41 / year old African American Julius Jones, who in the 20 years spent in prison has always pleaded innocent to the 1999 killing of businessman Paul Howell. His case also received international attention for a trial deemed controversial, with an ineffective and inexperienced defense, racist prejudice among jurors and alleged negligence on the part of the prosecution.
Today, the city’s high school students came out of class and prayer vigils were held in the state parliament, while the governor’s residence was protected with barricades. Over 6 million people signed a petition in Jones’s favor, while the parole board recommended leniency for the detainee. Various celebrities from entertainment and sports have mobilized in his favor, such as reality TV star Kim Kardashian, actors Kerry Washington and Mandy Patininkin, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. The EU ambassador to the US, Stavros Lambrinidis, also asked the governor to spare Jones’s life. (HANDLE).