A man sentenced to death for the murder of a hitchhiker in Alabama, in the southern United States, thirty years ago, was executed by nitrogen inhalation, a method used for the third time in the world.
“Alabama successfully used nitrogen hypoxia in the execution of Carey Grayson,” state Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement. As in two previous nitrogen inhalation executions in February and September – both in Alabama – UN experts warned that this method could constitute a form of “torture”, saying it is “prohibited by international law”.
According to media reports at the execution, Carey Grayson shook her head from side to side as the gas began to waft through the mask onto her face. The 49-year-old man panted for several minutes before stopping, the same sources said.
The execution, which took place in Holman Penitentiary, is the 22nd in the United States since the beginning of the year, all by lethal injection, with the exception of these three in Alabama.
The death penalty has been abolished in 23 of the 50 US states. There is a moratorium on executions in six, following a decision by the governor: Arizona, California, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
Does Mr. Thomas’s explanation of the legal safeguards and procedures sufficiently address concerns about potential suffering during nitrogen hypoxia executions, given the limited scientific data on the method’s effects and the UN’s classification of it as potential “torture”?
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: The Ethics and Practice of Nitrogen Hypoxia Executions
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Tonight, we’re diving deep into a controversial topic: the use of nitrogen hypoxia in executions.
Joining us are Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned criminologist and ethicist specializing in capital punishment, and Mr. David Thomas, legal counsel for the Alabama Department of Corrections.
**Dr. Carter, Mr. Thomas, thank you for being here.**
**Section 1: The Case of Carey Grayson and Nitrogen Hypoxia**
**Host:** Dr. Carter,Carey Grayson was executed by nitrogen hypoxia, marking the third time this method has been used globally. What are your initial thoughts on this case and the use of nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution?
**Dr. Carter:** * (Responds with her perspective on the ethical implications of the case and nitrogen hypoxia)*
**Host:** Mr. Thomas, Alabama has pioneered this execution method. Can you walk us through the reasoning behind adopting nitrogen hypoxia and the state’s response to concerns raised by international bodies like the UN?
**Mr. Thomas:** *(Explains the state’s rationale for choosing nitrogen hypoxia and addresses the criticisms)*
**Section 2: The Ethics of Capital Punishment**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, regardless of the method, there’s ongoing debate surrounding the morality of capital punishment itself. How does nitrogen hypoxia factor into this discussion? Does it change the ethical considerations?
**Dr. Carter:** *(Explores the ethical complexities of capital punishment and the implications of nitrogen hypoxia)*
**Host:** Mr. Thomas, what are the legal safeguards in place to ensure that nitrogen hypoxia is carried out humanely? How does the state address concerns about potential suffering?
**Mr. Thomas:** *(Outlines the legal framework and procedures aimed at ensuring humane execution using nitrogen hypoxia)*
**Section 3: Global Perspective and Future Implications**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, the UN has expressed concerns that nitrogen hypoxia may constitute ”torture” and violates international law. How significant is this international perspective, and how might it influence the future of capital punishment?
**Dr. Carter:** *(Discusses the international implications and potential impact on the future of executions)*
**Host:** Mr. Thomas, given the international scrutiny and evolving legal landscape, do you anticipate any changes to Alabama’s execution procedures or the use of nitrogen hypoxia in the future?
**Mr. Thomas:** *(Discusses potential future developments related to execution methods in Alabama)*
**Section 4: Conclusion**
**Host:** This is a complex and multifaceted issue with strong opinions on both sides. Dr. Carter and Mr. Thomas, thank you for sharing your insights and perspectives with us tonight.
**To our viewers, we encourage you to continue the conversation and explore the ethical, legal, and social implications surrounding capital punishment and the use of new execution methods like nitrogen hypoxia.**
