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A high-profile Auckland lawyer is leading the fight to save a Texas death-row inmate facing execution by lethal injection.
Lawyer Colin Amery intends to head to the United States later this year for the crucial final appeal of convicted murderer Charles Flores.
Flores, who has spent nine years on death row, was found guilty of murdering a 64-year-old woman during a botched burglary and faces death by lethal injection.
Amery took an interest in the case after reading Flores' book, Warrior Within, and the pair have exchanged letters. He has sold dozens of copies of the book, with proceeds going towards Flores' appeal.
After reviewing the case, Amery is convinced of Flores' innocence and has been in contact with his New York lawyer and a Texas senator trying to help the 29-year-old clear his name. " I strongly believe in his innocence and will do whatever I can to help," Amery said.
"I feel this is an important fight. There are definite flaws in the case and a lot of corrupt practices have gone on."
Amery is probably best known for his private prosecution of Rainbow Warrior saboteurs Allan Marfart and Dominique Prieur.
Flores argues he was not properly represented at his original trial, with the prosecution case relying largely on flawed evidence and jailhouse snitches.
The chief witness against Flores had to undergo hypnosis to recall the events on the night of the murder.
Alibi witnesses, who could have proven Flores' whereabouts, weren't called at the trial, Amery said. Following his conviction, no mitigating evidence was produced to show why he should not receive a death sentence.
Amery says Flores has shown amazing courage as he battles to clear his name. "I just hope I can do something to help this chap. He may have been into drugs, but he is definitely not a murderer - he is a decent man."
