Chely Wright - Stars Outraged By Death Row Prisoner's Clemency Rejection

A slew of celebrities have been campaigning on behalf of Troy Davis, who was convicted in 1991 of killing a police officer two years earlier. The guilty verdict caused controversy because authorities in Georgia have never found a murder weapon or unearthed physical evidence to connect him to the murder.

Davis' lawyers launched a last-ditch plea for clemency, but the bid was rejected by officials at the Georgia State Board of Pardons on Tuesday (20Sep11) and he will be executed by lethal injection on Wednesday (21Sep11).

A number of Davis' star supporters have taken to Twitter.com to express their shock and outrage at the ruling.

Wright writes, "I am 100 per cent, without a doubt, opposed to capital punishment. Not only is there a chance of executing the innocent, I think it is morally wrong."

Simmons adds, "Clemency denied for troy davis. Horrible news...", while Rushdie insists, "If Troy Davis is executed in Georgia it will be a crime."

Other outspoken stars who have 'tweeted' their support for Davis recently include Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson and musicians Yoko Ono, Usher and John Legend.