Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles Denies Reprieve for Humberto Leal

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied Humberto Leal Garcia’s request for a reprieve and/or commutation. The vote for a reprieve was 4-1, the vote for commutation was 5-0.

Here is a statement from Mr. Leal’s attorney, Sandra Babcock:

The following statement is attributed to Sandra L. Babcock, attorney for Humberto Leal Garcia:

“The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles’ recommendation against a reprieve for Humberto Leal ignores the views of the U.S. government and Solicitor General, former diplomats, military leaders, judges and prosecutors, and organizations representing Americans abroad who believe that Mr. Leal’s execution would threaten the safety of Americans overseas and undermine the international interests of the United States.

 

“These bipartisan supporters agree that Mr. Leal should be given the opportunity to benefit from legislation pending in Congress that would give him the right to a federal hearing regarding the violation of his rights under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The legislation before the U.S. Congress, which has widespread support from the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security, is specifically designed to provide review of the consular rights violation in the cases of Mr. Leal and other Mexican nationals who were denied consular access. The legislation would give Mr. Leal an opportunity to demonstrate that with consular assistance, he likely would not have been convicted, let alone sentenced to death.

 

“The decision as to whether Mr. Leal’s life should be spared now lies with the United States Supreme Court, which can issue a stay of execution, or with Governor Rick Perry, who has the power to issue a 30-day reprieve. Mr. Leal’s execution should be halted to affirm the U.S. commitment to the rule of law and uphold his constitutional right to remain alive while Congress is considering action that would directly benefit his case.”

 

Sandra L. Babcock, Clinical Professor of Law at Northwestern University School of Law and attorney for Mr. Leal.

July 5, 2011

###

 

For more information, please go to: www.HumbertoLeal.org.

To sign an online petition to Governor Rick Perry, go to http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/save-humberto-leal/.