Dear friend,

OTSE relies on the engagement and action of its members; I’m sending you this message to tell you about steps you can take to fight the Secret Executions Bill in the Ohio Senate, as well as support recent exonerations in our state.

Take Action Now!

The Senate’s Criminal Justice Committee will be meeting this Wednesday and Thursday (if needed) for hearings and a vote on the Secret Executions bill. Click here now to Let the members of the committee know that you oppose the Secret Executions Bill by taking action on OTSE’s website.

As you know, the Secret Executions Bill (Am. H.B. 663) is quickly making its way through the Ohio Senate. Please view and share OTSE’s infographic to get a sense of what will happen if we allow our representatives to pass this piece of legislation. Editorials from every corner of the state have lambasted the Secret Executions Bill, saying it “overreaches,” (Akron Beacon Journal) “shrouding the execution process in secrecy” (Cincinnati Enquirer) and calling it “surreptitious,” (Cleveland Plain Dealer) “misguided,” (Lima News) and “perhaps unconstitutional” (Toledo Blade).

Kwame Ajamu (Photo: John Kuntz / Plain Dealer)

ALSO, as you read this, Kwame Ajamu’s exoneration hearing is wrapping up or it may even be over. Kwame joins Ricky Jackson and Wiley Bridgeman as one of Ohio’s three newest exonerees in 2014. The freedom these men have gained should never have been in question; their struggle is a sobering reminder of the pain and financial cost of a broken death penalty system. You can help Kwame, Wiley, and Ricky get back on their feet by donating to their exoneration funds online.

Support Kwame Today!

Thank you for your continuing advocacy and support throughout the rest of this year. I’ll make sure you are informed of continuing developments as they arise.

Yours in the struggle,



Kevin Werner

Executive Director

PS: OTSE depends on the support of members like you. While we ask you to help our new exonerees get back on their feet, please plan now to make the most generous donation possible to OTSE before the end of the year.