International   

Execution called off again

Los Angeles: An execution was called off in California after state officials failed to find a medical professional willing to inject a lethal dose of sedative into the convicted murderer. The 7.30 p.m. execution of Michael Morales had been set for early on Tuesday, but was delayed after two anaesthesiologists refused to take part. Their presence had been ordered by a judge who wanted to ensure Morales would not suffer physical pain. But it became apparent that under the court order they might have to intervene if Morales woke up or appeared to be suffering. The doctors claimed any such intervention ``would clearly be medically unethical.'' Californian officials opted for another option offered by the judge, an untried lethal injection using a massive dose. The method used in California since 1996 involves an injection to render the prisoner unconscious, followed by the injection of two other chemicals, to induce paralysis and to stop the heart. In an appeal to a federal court, lawyers for Morales called the procedure ``cruel and unusual punishment'', in breach of the U.S. constitution.

- Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Muslims flee Nigerian city
E.U. talks on bird flu today
France seals off farm
Dubai firm safe to run ports: Bush
"Embarrassing" details of Charles views
Biggest cash robbery in British history
Execution called off again
Roof collapse kills 45
Denmark to host religious meet
Sectarian clashes rock Iraq
Europe's answer to MIT
Two dead in quake

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu