EU voices 'deep regret' over Troy Davis execution

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union expressed "deep regret" Thursday over the execution of Troy Davis in the US state of Georgia and reiterated its call for a universal moratorium on capital punishment.

A spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the bloc had learnt "with deep regret that Mr Troy Davis was executed."

'The EU opposes the use of capital punishment in all circumstances and calls for a universal moratorium," said Maja Kocijancic.

"The abolition of that penalty is essential to protect human dignity," she added.

The EU had added its voice to calls from around the world to stay the execution of Davis in a racially-tinged case that became a cause celebre for abolitionists.

Davis was executed despite doubts over his 1991 murder conviction.