"Understanding Nitrogen Hypoxia: The New Method of Execution in the U.S."

Alabama is set to execute a death row inmate using nitrogen gas, a method known as nitrogen hypoxia, which has never been used for capital punishment in the United States. While supporters claim it is fast and painless, the United Nations Human Rights Office has urged Alabama to stop the execution, citing concerns of potential torture and violation of human rights treaties. Nitrogen hypoxia involves inhaling nitrogen to induce unconsciousness and death from lack of oxygen, and Alabama's protocol involves strapping the inmate to a gurney and administering the gas through a mask in the state's execution chamber.