Farley Matchett in the Texas death row

A plea for life and for a fair trial

Farley C. Matchett #999 060 is scheduled to be executed on September 12 for homicide. His lawyer deposit a clemency request for this man, I urge you to vote in favour of the clemency. Serious miscarriages have been made in this particular case.

Mr. Matchett does not deny having killed a man, but has always maintained a legitimate defense. The State lawyer assigned to Mr. Matchett advised him not to use the claim of self-defense, even though evidence indicated he had been attacked. Instead, he was instructed to plead guilty so as to avoid the death penalty. The trial lasted four days, during which Mr. Matchett's lawyer made no objections, even when asked repeatedly by the Judge if he wanted to reconsider his client's plea on the basis of key evidence indicating self-defense. This court appointed lawyer suffered from bouts of depression, and ultimately committed suicide.

I would like to express my sympathy for the family of Uries Anderson, and am not seeking to downplay the seriousness of the crime or the suffering it has caused. However, I believe that Mr. Matchett has the right to have a fair trial and I believe that the death penalty can only perpetuate the cycle of violence and suffering.

As such I call on you, Madams and Misters Members of the Board, to vote in favour of the clemency.