Inmate's Mental Health Crumbles Even As Relief May Be Near
Continuing on with the subject of Mexican Nationals on death row in the U.S., here is an alarming story from DPIC.
During 25 years on Texas' death row, Cesar Fierro's mental health has deteriorated to the extent that his attorney hardly recognizes him.Dow said that when Fierro was sent to death row in 1980, he was a soft-spoken, slightly overweight man in his mid-20s.
"When I saw him last year, he had long, stringy hair and a strong wind could have blown him over," says Dow.
Fierro's case is one among about 50 similar cases in which the International Court of Justice recently ruled that the convictions and death sentences of Mexican nationals should be given further review in U.S. courts. President Bush has ordered the courts in Texas and elsewhere to comply with the World Court's ruling, but Texas authorities have said Bush lacks the proper authority. The issue of the effect of the World Court's ruling is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court
Posted by katherine at 07:34 PM
Comments
there was an amazing Frontline piece last night, about mentally ill inmates. i only caught the last 20 minutes, of the hour long show, but if anyone can see it...it's really disturbing.
Posted by: katherine at May 11, 2005 10:56 AM
