UN condemns Alabama execution that 'may amount to torture'

The UN condemns the execution of Kenneth Smith, who has become the first person in the United States to be executed using nitrogen asphyxiation.

A spokesperson for the UN's Human Rights Commissioner raises the organisation's concerns that the "untested method...may amount to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment".

Those present at Smith's execution have said he began "writhing and thrashing" after the gas was administered.