“We are concerned that nitrogen hypoxia would result in a painful and humiliating death,” said the experts, who are all independent monitors working as part of the Human Rights Council’s special procedures program. The practice of using nitrogen hypoxia to execute a prisoner—essentially having them inhale pure nitrogen, starving them of oxygen until they die—was authorized as an alternative method by the Alabama State Legislature in 2018. Last year, the Alabama Supreme Court upheld its use in a 6-2 decision over Smith’s case. Read more at The Daily Beast. Source: www.thedailybeast.com

Source: The Nation January 04, 2024 08:03 UTC