The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has voted to recommend clemency for death row inmate Osbaldo Torres, a Mexican foreign national who is scheduled to be executed on May 18. The Board made its decision after an hour-long hearing that included testimony from Carlos de Icaza, Mexican Ambassador to the United States. Icaza told the board that Mexico opposes capital punishment in all cases, and that this case was particularly troublesome because no proof was presented that Torres was the shooter in the crime. A recent ruling by the U.N. Court of International Justice stated that the U.S. had violated the international treaty-protected rights of Torres and 50 other Mexican foreign nationals currently awaiting execution in the United States. The Court held that the men had been denied their access to consular assistance, and ordered a further review by U.S. courts of their convictions and sentences. The Board’s 3-2 vote for clemency now goes to Governor Brad Henry for consideration. (Associated Press, May 7, 2004) See Foreign Nationals. See also, Upcoming Executions.