UN urges against first-ever execution by nitrogen gas in Alabama

The United Nations has raised serious concerns about an imminent execution in Alabama which will use a new and untried method.

The state has scheduled to execute Kenneth Eugene Smith through nitrogen asphyxiation on January 25th.

The UN Human Rights Office has called on state authorities to halt Smith’s execution.

A mask would be placed over the inmate's nose and mouth and breathable air is replaced with nitrogen, causing death from lack of oxygen.

The method is authorised in three states but has never been used to put an inmate to death.

Report by Bangurak.

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