Professor Nominates Jailed Ex-Gov for Nobel

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- A University of Illinois professor believes George Ryan deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his stand against the death penalty, even if the former Illinois governor is in prison.

Francis A. Boyle, a professor of International Law and Human Rights, has nominated Ryan for the 2009 prize. It's the sixth time Boyle has nominated Ryan.

Ryan declared a moratorium on executions in Illinois in 2000. He was convicted on corruption charges in 2007 and is serving six and a half years in federal prison.

Boyle believes the death penalty will be abolished in the United States. He credits Ryan for creating the first state moratorium on capital punishment.

Copyright Associated Press

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