Outcry Over First Nitrogen Gas Execution in US Sparks Controversy
The recent execution of convicted murderer Kenneth Smith in Alabama using nitrogen gas has ignited a wave of controversy and condemnation both within the United States and internationally. This unprecedented method, which has never been tested before, has drawn criticism from the White House, the United Nations, and the European Union. The execution has reignited the debate surrounding capital punishment and raised concerns about the potential for cruel and inhuman treatment.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall defended the decision to use nitrogen gas asphyxiation, stating that the execution was carried out in a professional manner. He even revealed that Alabama plans to carry out 43 more nitrogen hypoxia executions in the future. However, the execution itself was not without its disturbing moments. Reports stated that after the gas was administered, Smith experienced writhing, thrashing, heavy breathing, and involuntary movements. It was a haunting scene that left many questioning the humanity of such a method.
The outcry over Smith’s execution has reverberated across the globe. UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed concern that this untested method of suffocation may amount to torture or cruel and degrading treatment. Similarly, the European Union, which opposes the death penalty, denounced nitrogen gas execution as a particularly cruel and unusual punishment. US civil liberties groups also voiced their disapproval, with Ravina Shamdasani of the UN human rights office stating that Smith was clearly suffering and calling for an end to the death penalty altogether.
Yasmin Cader of the American Civil Liberties Union argued that Smith should never have been executed, let alone in such a gruesome manner. She urged the United States to abandon the death penalty and find more humane alternatives. The Biden administration has already taken steps towards this by suspending federal executions. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted President Joe Biden’s concerns about how the death penalty is implemented and its compatibility with American values.
Smith’s case itself is a tragic one. He was sentenced to death for the 1988 murder-for-hire of Elizabeth Sennett, a pastor’s wife. Smith and his accomplice, John Parker, were paid $1,000 each to carry out the killing. Parker was executed by lethal injection in 2010. Smith had previously experienced a botched execution attempt in 2022 when prison officials failed to administer a lethal injection due to difficulties setting intravenous lines. Despite last-minute appeals for a stay of execution, the US Supreme Court rejected Smith’s pleas.
In his final moments, Smith lamented the use of nitrogen gas and claimed that it represented a step backward for humanity. His words echoed the sentiments of many who believe that capital punishment is outdated and incompatible with modern society. The United States has witnessed a decline in support for the death penalty, with a recent Gallup Poll showing that only 53 percent of Americans still advocate for it, the lowest level since 1972.
The controversy surrounding Smith’s execution has once again brought the issue of capital punishment to the forefront. While it has been abolished in 23 states, several others have put a hold on its use. The debate over its morality and effectiveness continues to divide opinions. As the world watches, the question remains: will the United States finally abandon the death penalty and embrace more compassionate alternatives? Only time will tell.
