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December 23, 2014

Oklahoma to Resume Executions; Arizona to Abandon Drug Used in Botched Killings 
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In the United States, a federal judge has ruled Oklahoma can resume
executions following a botched killing in April. Attorneys for death row
prisoners had objected to Oklahoma's procedures, including its use of
the sedative midazolam, following the execution of Clayton Lockett, who
writhed in apparent agony during a 43-minute ordeal. But a judge ruled
Oklahoma can move ahead with four executions planned for early next
year. The state of Arizona, meanwhile, has said it will attempt to stop
using midazolam as part of its execution cocktail, instead seeking out
stocks of pentobarbital, which has been in short supply after its
European manufacturer objected to its use in executions. In July,
Arizona prisoner Joseph Wood received 15 doses of midazolam during a
nearly two-hour-long botched execution which saw him repeatedly gasping
for air.

 

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