Chicago Tribune

Wednesday, February 2, 2000

ROME HONORS RYAN'S EXECUTION MORATORIUM

ROME, ITALY -- The lights at Rome's ancient Colosseum burned golden Tuesday in honor of a decision by Illinois Gov. George Ryan to impose a moratorium on executions.

The amphitheater where gladiators once fought to the death is now the center of a worldwide campaign against the death penalty.

Throughout the year, the lights illuminating the Colosseum will change from white to gold for a two-day period whenever someone is spared execution.

The lights burned gold Tuesday for the eighth time this year after Ryan's decision Monday to declare a moratorium. Ryan called for a special panel to study the state's system of capital punishment, which he said was "fraught with error." Thirteen inmates in Illinois have been freed or taken off death row since 1987.