"Alabama's Controversial Use of Nitrogen Hypoxia for Execution Sparks Debate"

Alabama is set to attempt the first-ever execution by nitrogen hypoxia, an untested method, on death row inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was convicted for the murder of Elizabeth Sennett in 1988. Smith's lawyers and rights groups have raised concerns about the untested nature of the method and its potential for causing a painful death. Despite criticism, the execution is moving forward, with Smith facing a 30-hour time frame for the procedure. The use of nitrogen hypoxia has sparked debate about its constitutionality and ethical implications, with human rights organizations and UN Special Rapporteurs expressing opposition to the state's plan.