|
05.24.07
ACLU Calls for Immediate Halt to Executions
Ohio’s second botched execution in as many years demonstrates pervasive flaws with capital punishment
LUCASVILLE, OH- Today, the ACLU of Ohio called for an immediate halt
to all executions in light of Ohio’s second botched execution.
“What is clear from today’s botched execution is that the State doesn’t
know how to execute people without torturing them to death,” said ACLU
of Ohio staff attorney Carrie Davis.
“Clearly our execution procedures, even though revised after last year’s
botched execution of Joseph Clark, still do not guarantee an execution
is humane,” Davis continued.
“There continue to be serious problems with Ohio’s death penalty
procedures that demand an immediate halt to executions so that a
thorough study of the death penalty system may be conducted.”
Christopher Newton was scheduled to be executed today by the State of
Ohio. The State began the procedure at 10:00 a.m. However, more than an
hour and a half later, it was reported that the executioners were unable
to locate a vein. Yet, the State continued to try.
On May 2, 2006, Ohio executed Joseph L. Clark after a lengthy delay
resulting from a collapsed vein.
“Having one botched execution is too many; that Ohio has now had two
botched executions in as many years is intolerable,” Davis concluded.
-30-
|
news center