"UN Condemns Alabama's Planned First Nitrogen Gas Execution as Inhumane"
The United Nations Human Rights Council is intervening to prevent Alabama from conducting the first nitrogen gas execution in the U.S., scheduled for January 25. U.N. experts argue that the method may result in a "painful and humiliating death" and could violate international anti-torture conventions. Despite the lack of evidence presented by the U.N. experts on the suffering caused by nitrogen hypoxia, they are concerned about the U.S.'s continued use of the death penalty. The execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith, convicted for a 1988 murder-for-hire, is under scrutiny, especially after a failed lethal injection attempt in November 2022. Additionally, there are safety concerns for those present during the execution, including spiritual advisers who must sign a waiver to be in the room.