Stop the Federal Executions!

One week from today on Monday, June 29th, the 27th Annual Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty at the US Supreme Court will begin. Details are below — you don’t want to miss it!

Last week, the federal government announced four execution dates in July and August. There can be no doubt that these dates have politics written all over them. No matter where one stands on candidates for political office, the president should not be allowed to carry out executions as part of his re-election campaign strategy.

The US Supreme Court has been asked to expedite its consideration of the argument that held up these executions last December. We will keep you apprised of news and developments via e-mail, as well as on Facebook & Twitter. Resources and action opportunities for everyone are here.

Also:

• Death Penalty Action has petitions and other resources to stop the federal executions available here, INCLUDING a special sign on letter for faith leaders (deadline July 5).
• Billy Wardlow is next prisoner scheduled to be executed in the United States, on July 8 in Texas. Learn more and sign the petition to stop it, here.

• Ahmad Issa survived 22 years on death row in Ohio for a crime he did not commit. His conviction was thrown out, the state appealed, he prevailed, andthen he was promptly deported to his home country of Jordan with neither an apology or compensation. Here is a “GoFundMe” page where you can learn more and chip in to help Ahmad get back on his feet.

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Thank you — More soon!

— Abe & Scott, Death Penalty Action

SAVE THE DATES

June 29, 30, July 1 & 2

Coming up one week from today is the 27th Annual Starving’ for Justice: The Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty. A preview discussion was featured recently on the Voices of Experience on the Death Penalty on-line program (watch here).

Due to the pandemic, all programming will be virtual via Zoom and broadcast on the Starvin’ for Justice and partner Facebook pages. During the day and in the evenings, we’ll host interviews, panel discussions, musicians, artistic readings and at least one film screening. Those who register in advance will receive access to special programming just for Starvin’ for Justice participants.

Confirmed speakers and programs include:

• Panel Discussion & keynote: Extra-Judicial Executions in the United States
• The Death Penalty Information Center’s Rob Dunham
• The Julius Jones Campaign
• The Rodney Reed Campaign
• The Kevin Keith Campaign
• The Mumia Abu Jamal Campaign
• Meeting the needs of murder victim family members
• Journey of Hope… From Violence to Healing speakers
• Witness to Innocence speakers every day, & Dedicated WTI Panel
• Panel: Religion & the Death Penalty
• State reports, including Virginia, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and many others
• Tessie Castillo and co-authors of Crimson Letters
• Panel: Former Executioners
• Film Screening & Talk Back: In the Executioners Shadow
• And much more! Full Schedule to be Announced by June 25th.

Please join the sponsors with your sponsorship today. Co-sponsors as of June 21st include:

• Amnesty International Group 213 — Raleigh, NC
• David Atwood — in honor of The Prison Show
• Abraham & Isaac Bonowitz and Beth Wood
• Zann Carter
• Clear View Project
• Fr. Clem Davis
• Chuck Culhane
• Death Penalty Action
• Death Row Support Project
• Dick Dieter and Maggie Louden
• Doug Dunlop
• Equal Justice USA
• Celeste Fitzgerald
• Daniel Flynn and Anne Feczko
• Gainesville Citizens for Alternatives to the Death Penalty — Gainesville, FL
• Jeff Gamso
• German Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
• Bob Gross
• Susan Gries
• Andrea Hall
• Viki Harrison
• Mary Hendrix
• Journey of Hope. . . from Violence to Healing
• George Kain
• Kehilla Community Synagogue
• Caroline Klam
• Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
• Deborah McEvoy
• Dick and Eileen Melia
• Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
• National Benedictines for Peace
• Nevada Coalition Against the Death Penalty
• Phyllis Pautrat
• Bruce and Julie Pearson
• People Against Executions (PAX) of the Open Door Community
• Maria Romstedt
• Mrs. Nancy Scheaffer
• Joanne Schwarz
• Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
• Michael and Maureen Smith
• South Dakotans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
• Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr.
• Scott Taylor
• Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty — in honor of the Reed Justice Initiative
• Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
• Charles Wilton
• Dina Windle
• Witness to Innocence
• Michael Zoosman
• Anonymous from North Carolina

Join the sponsorship list today, here.

And we must renew and redouble our efforts to change our world. Sign petitions to oppose other upcoming executions here.

Thank you,

— Abe & Scott

PS: Like what we do? Help make it happen with your donation today, here!