I am Martina Davis

Being a Stanley Kubrick fan (which cinema lover doesn't love at least one Kubrick classic?) I've obviously seen that slightly ropey early effort, Spartacus. It's okay. Just. But, whatever you think about Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis and Laurence Olivier in this old-school Hollywood historical epic, it's become famous for it's “I am Spartacus” scene. Even if you've never seen the film, you know it …

I am Spartacus! No, I am Spartacus. It's getting worn out through overuse but it's still a brilliant expression of solidarity with the oppressed. And It's been borrowed for the Troy Davis campaign.

As many readers of this blog will already know, Troy has spent nearly 18 years on death row for a crime he very likely did not commit. He's come within two hours of execution and is once again at risk of a fresh execution date.

What can you do to express your solidarity with a man in this incredibly dire predicament? Here are four suggestions:

1. Send an appeal to the governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue. It may still come down to his personal decision over whether Troy lives or dies (the power of Caesar).

2. Follow the Amnesty campaign for justice for Troy (for example, if there's time, come to the demo at the US embassy in London today: 4.30-6pm). This may not be the last demo, so please look our for more if Troy's fate hangs in the balance.

3. Read the report on Troy's case and pass on the word about his case. I defy anyone to read this excellent Amnesty report and not think there's something rotten about Troy's conviction (just how many people saying they were made to sign false statements does it take to bring a conviction into disrepute? Discuss).

4. Take a photograph of yourself with an “I am Troy Davis” slogan and upload it to Amnesty’s Troy Flickr site and add your own comment.

And, for good measure, lend your support to Troy's amazing sister Martina, who has led a tireless campaign for justice for her younger brother. Read her article on the Comment is Free site. She's a real human rights defender and, in true Kubrickian fashion, I'm proud to say “I am Martina Davis”.