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Ex-US governor starts prison term Ex-US governor starts prison term
(about 13 hours later)
The former Republican governor of Illinois has begun a six-and-a-half year prison sentence for corruption.The former Republican governor of Illinois has begun a six-and-a-half year prison sentence for corruption.
George Ryan, 73, entered a federal prison in Wisconsin on Wednesday after the Supreme Court turned down his appeal to stay free on bail.George Ryan, 73, entered a federal prison in Wisconsin on Wednesday after the Supreme Court turned down his appeal to stay free on bail.
He was convicted in 2006 for steering state contracts to friends and associates in return for rewards.He was convicted in 2006 for steering state contracts to friends and associates in return for rewards.
Mr Ryan, who is known for his opposition to the death penalty, has always said he is innocent.Mr Ryan, who is known for his opposition to the death penalty, has always said he is innocent.
Nobel Nominee
The former governor was convicted along with lobbyist Larry Warner on 18 counts including racketeering, conspiracy, and fraud.The former governor was convicted along with lobbyist Larry Warner on 18 counts including racketeering, conspiracy, and fraud.
Mr Ryan has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his opposition to the death penalty. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work opposing the death penalty.
In 2000 he imposed a moratorium on executions in Illinois after 13 inmates on death row were found to have been wrongfully convicted.
He also commuted the death sentences of 167 inmates to life in prison before he left office in 2003.