Scottish man Kenny Richey has been taken to hospital shortly before he was due to be released from prison in Ohio, USA.

Amnesty International Scotland spokesperson Naomi McAuliffe said:
“We’re obviously concerned about this news.

“Kenny was on the brink of freedom after nearly 21 years on death row and it’s a blow to his family and supporters that he will now not be home for Christmas.

“The important thing now for Kenny is that after years of shoddy justice he gets good medical care and makes a speedy return to Scotland.”

Mr Richey had been preparing to plead ‘No Contest’ to lesser charges against him. This is legally not an admission of guilt but means that he can return to Britain as soon as possible. This hearing will now be heard on 8th January 2008.

Mr Richey was convicted of arson and murder in the state of Ohio and sentenced to death on 27 January 1987. He has been on death row since then - over 20 years - but has always protested his innocence.

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