Weekly Report from the Board Meeting at Holman Prison 12.27.23
The State of Alabama has set 1.25.24 as the execution date for Kenneth Smith. The Talking Points are at https://www.phadp.org/execution-alert-kenneth-eugene-smith/ on our website. Please: Take action to spare Kenneth’s life at bit.ly/KennethSmithAL or at athttps://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stop-the-execution-of-kenneth-smith and write to the Governor as well!
CBS NEWS published an article “Lawsuit challenges Alabama’s plan to execute a death row inmate with nitrogen gas and we quote: “But critics of the method are concerned about the uncertainty of the entire process and the potential dangers and obstacles that it could present to inmates, the execution team, spiritual advisers and witnesses.”
This issue is addressed in the updated actionnetwork.org petition and we quote: “Alabama has set January 25, 2024 as the date to try out its newly developed experimental method of executing prisoners, inflicting "nitrogen hypoxia" via a sealed face mask that the prisoner will be forced to wear. This will be the first-ever execution using nitrogen hypoxia. Alabama's new nitrogen hypoxia is an experimental extension of the concept of the "gas chamber," a method of killing which smothers a prisoner by replacing oxygen with nitrogen gas. This has never been tried before. A new protocol for carrying out an execution using nitrogen hypoxia was released with extensive redactions. Concern has arisen regarding the safety of this new method for those who must be present in or near the execution chamber, including corrections officers and the prisoner's spiritual advisor. Issues of concern are addressed here.” We understand that the state does not care whether the inmate chokes to death but how about the spiritual advisor and the corrections officers?
We heard from Kenneth Smith who was at the hearing a week ago that not only did it go on until 5:00 p.m. but that he was well represented by his attorneys. We also read a shocking account by Kenny’s wife, with whom we are in touch, of statements made by the state. No ruling as yet.
Meanwhile the DOC settled with the Rev. Jeff Hood out of court. “Under the settlement, the Rev. Jeff Hood will be able to anoint Kenneth Smith’s with oil and share the Holy Eucharist with him and place his hands on Smith’s feet while praying and reading scripture during the execution, the minister said.”
We thank all who are working so hard and diligently to stop all killing in Alabama! And as always in closing, we thank all our generous donors who either gave by going to our website and using the “donate” button or who gave directly. Thank you also to all who took the time to read our notes, commented, liked and shared them on Facebook.. Stay safe and be kind to each other! Esther
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