One of Nigeria's most influential states has taken an important step
towards abolition of the death penalty by pardoning and releasing three
condemned prisoners.
In a 6-2 ruling, the nation's highest court decided that Davis should
have another chance to prove his innocence before the state of Georgia
puts him to death.
Mother of six Jacinta Francisco Marcial has been in prison since 2006. She has been sentenced to 21 years for her part in the alleged kidnapping of six federal agents in Mexico.
Santiago Omar Riveros, who ran a detention centre, was found guilty of torturing and beating to
death a 15 year old boy. He is also accused of over 40 crimes against humanity involving victims of the era's so-called "disappeared".
Ali Ben Sassi Toumi has been accused of 'membership of a terrorist
organization', 'providing expertise and logistical support to a
terrorist organization' and fraud.
Over 100 people are on trial for fomenting protests against the disputed result of Iran's 12 June presidential election. Amnesty International has challenged the Iranian authorities to open up the court to international observers.
Myanmar's pro-democracy leader has been sentenced to a further 18 months’ house arrest. She has been detained for over 13 of the past 20 years, mostly under house arrest.
