The recent execution of death row inmate Kenneth Smith in Alabama using nitrogen gas has garnered significant controversy and criticism. The White House expressed deep concerns over the matter, while the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that this execution method may amount to torture. Alabama officials, however, have stood by their decision to utilize nitrogen gas.
Smith's execution marked the first time this method had been used in the United States. The state's Attorney General defended the execution, stating that nitrogen hypoxia has now been proven as an effective method and that more such executions are likely to follow in Alabama.
