The Supreme Court has rejected a last-minute appeal to halt the execution of Alabama death row inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith, who is facing the first ever US execution by nitrogen gas inhalation. Smith’s lawyers argued that the use of nitrogen gas could result in unnecessary suffering and posed a risk of leaks that could harm those present in the room. The court’s decision means that Smith, convicted in 1989 for the murder of Elizabeth Sennett, is set to be the first person in the world to be put to death using this method. Advocates for Smith have raised concerns about the potential for violations of the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. However, Alabama authorities maintain that nitrogen hypoxia is a humane alternative due to difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs. Smith’s execution is scheduled to take place before his death warrant expires on Friday.
Alabama Death Row Inmate Set for First-Ever Execution by Nitrogen Gas, US
Date:
Updated: [falahcoin_post_modified_date]