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Activists Call on President Biden to End the Federal Death Penalty Before Leaving Office

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A conversation with Death Penalty Action Co-founder and Executive Director Abe Bonowitz. Now that Joe Biden is a lame duck president, activists are holding him accountable to make good on his promise to end the federal death penalty during his remaining six months as president. Biden’s election campaign in 2020 had pledged to end the federal death penalty and incentivize the remaining 27 states that still allow executions to do the same. While he made history as the first president in the United States to openly oppose the death penalty, there has been no movement to actually end federal executions during his nearly four years in office.

USA | Governor DeWine: Three Steps to Save More Lives from COVID-19

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Governor DeWine has exhibited strong leadership in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, and yet there are additional practical steps to save more lives. Please take the following three actions immediately.


  1. Governor DeWine has already declared that Ohio will not use legitimate pharmaceuticals to conduct lethal injection executions. Sign this petition urging Governor DeWine to order any stock of Midazolam currently in possession of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for the purpose of executions be immediately turned over to hospitals treating COVID-19 patients​.
  2. Sign this petition co-sponsored by 20 Ohio faith oriented organizations​ calling for stronger and immediate action granting relief to Ohio prisoners in the face of the rampant spread of COVID-19 in the Ohio prison system.
  3. Call Governor DeWine at 614–644–4357 to thank him for his leadership addressing COVID-19 and to urge the immediate release of Kevin Keith​, an innocent man awaiting a court ruling in his case seeking his exoneration and freedom. Kevin’s death sentence was commuted in 2010 by then-Governor Strickland, just days before his scheduled execution. Newly developed evidence should free him, but he can’t wait any longer. Kevin has tested positive for COVID-19. He should be freed immediately to receive proper medical attention while he awaits the ruling of the US District Court of Appeals in Ohio.

With hope, love and prayers for everyone impacted by the pandemic,

Scott Langley and Abraham J. Bonowitz

Death Penalty Action Co-Directors

PS: In spite of the pandemic, legislation has been introduced to abolish Ohio’s death penalty. Death Penalty Action is building constituent support in anticipation of the day when this bill will be considered. Click here to support our work in Ohio today​.

Source: medium.com, Staff, April 23, 2020


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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
Location: Ohio, USA
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