Photo of the day: May 19, 2009

Over 1200 people rallied in front of the Georgia capitol this evening for death row inmate Troy Davis. The rally was part of the “Global Day of Action for Troy Davis.” Rallies for Davis were held in 45 states and 28 countries.

One of the speakers at the rally was former death row inmate Juan Melendez who served 17 years on death row for a crime that he did not commit. Melendez was freed in January of 2002 after another person’s confession to the murder for which he was on death row was allowed to be heard in court. Just as in Davis’ case no physical evidence linked Melendez to the crime. He was convicted on the false testimony of a police informant who was paid $5000 for the tip that cost Melendez 17 years of his life behind bars. “You can never release an innocent man from the grave,” said Melendez during his speech at the rally.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)