Alabama Plans First-Ever Execution Using Nitrogen Gas Amid Controversy

Kenneth Eugene Smith's lawyers argue the untested method could result in an agonizing death, while the UN's human rights office expresses concern over potential violation of international law.

• Alabama is planning to execute Kenneth Eugene Smith using nitrogen gas, a method never before used for capital punishment.
• Smith's lawyers argue that the untested method could result in an agonizing death and have sought to block the execution.
• The use of nitrogen gas for euthanasia has been denounced by some medical professionals and veterinarians, with the American Veterinary Medical Association advising against its use on most mammals.
• The United Nations' Office of The High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern that the method could amount to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under international human rights law.
• Alabama's move to use nitrogen gas for executions comes as states face increasing obstacles in obtaining drugs for lethal injections.

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