France shows “solidarity” with death row inmate Troy Davis

France’s human rights ambassador has met with Troy Anthony Davis’ sister to show the French government’s “solidarity” with the Georgia death row inmate.

France’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that human rights ambassador Francois Zimeray met with Davis’ sister in Washington on Wednesday. The statement says Zimeray expressed “our solidarity and our determination to remain mobilized in favor of Troy Davis.”

Davis has spent nearly 18 years on death row for the murder of off-duty Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail. Davis’ lawyers say he deserves a new trial because seven of nine witnesses have recanted their testimoney.

Late last month, the U.S. Supreme Court recessed for the summer without hearing Davis’ latest appeal. The recess delayed Davis’ execution for at least a few months.

France has no capital punishment and has campaigned for its abolition worldwide.