Racial Disparities in Botched Executions Highlighted in New Report

A recent study reveals that Black death row inmates face significantly higher rates of botched lethal injections compared to their white counterparts.

• A study by Reprieve shows Black inmates are twice as likely to suffer botched executions, with 8% of Black inmates experiencing complications versus 4% for white inmates.
• The report analyzed over 1,400 botched executions since 1976, revealing deep-seated racial disparities within the U.S. death penalty system.
• Congressional figures, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker, have responded to the findings, advocating for reforms and the abolition of the death penalty.
• Specific cases like that of Clayton Lockett, who suffered a prolonged and painful execution, underscore the report's findings on racial injustice.
• Reprieve calls for a moratorium on lethal injections and greater transparency in execution procedures to address these disparities.

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