Tennessee state Supreme Court places execution of Abu-Ali Abdur'Rahman on hold

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee's pending execution of a black inmate has been put on hold after he raised accusations that racism tainted the jury selection at his trial.

A Nashville judge earlier this year approved an agreement with local prosecutors to re-sentence Abu-Ali Abdur'Rahman to life in prison. The agreement came after Abdur'Rahman presented evidence that prosecutors at his trial showed a preference for white jurors.

Tennessee's attorney general has appealed the agreement. The state Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered that Abdur'Rahman's April execution date be put on hold until the appeal can be heard.