Geneva, The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed grave concerns over the planned execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith in the United States. The execution, scheduled for 25-26 January, is set to use nitrogen gas asphyxiation, a method which the UN body fears could constitute torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani voiced alarm at the novel and untested execution method. The use of nitrogen gas has never been employed for human execution in the United States, and Alabama’s protocol for its use does not include sedation prior to execution. The American Veterinary Medical Association even recommends sedation for large animals euthanized in this manner. The protocol also indicates that the odourless and colourless gas may be administered for up to 15 minutes, and Smith, with expert evidence, has argued that this method risks causing him particular pain and suffering.
The UN Human Rights Office calls for Alabama state authorities to halt Smith’s execution and to avoid any further executions using this method. Alabama had previously attempted unsuccessfully to execute Smith by lethal injection in 2022. Additionally, Smith’s ongoing proceedings in federal court against his execution have not been fully resolved.
The UN body expressed serious concerns that executing Smith under these circumstances could breach international human rights treaties to which the United States is a party, specifically the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The Human Rights Committee, responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Covenant, has criticized the use of asphyxiation by gas as an execution method, the employment of untested methods, and the expansion of the death penalty in states that continue to apply it. The office also highlighted the death penalty’s inconsistency with the fundamental right to life, its failure to deter crime, and the risk of executing innocent people. They urge all states to implement a moratorium on capital punishment as a step towards its universal abolition.
Karachi, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has emphasized the urgent need for the Land Department to actively reclaim the possession of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) lands and to be proactive in pending legal cases. This statement was made during a meeting he chaired with the Land Department.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Mayor Wahab highlighted the importance of KMC’s presence in ongoing legal matters, particularly regarding Huts on Hawke’s Bay and other land-related issues. He stressed that a decline in KMC’s revenue due to these disputes is unacceptable and demanded a detailed revenue report within fifteen days. He warned that strict actions will be taken against any department officers found involved in illegal activities.
During the meeting, attended by Municipal Commissioner Syed Afzal Zaidi, Mayor Karachi’s Special Representative for Political Affairs Karamullah Waqasi, and other key officials, Wahab expressed concern over the decrease in revenue recovery due to ongoing court cases involving KMC land. He urged that the Land Department, in consultation with the legal department, should formulate a strategy and ensure all necessary information and records are presented during case hearings.
Mayor Wahab emphasized the importance of the Land Department’s role in protecting KMC’s interests and stated that public service institutions cannot afford to have pending cases in courts, as it directly impacts revenue generation. He underlined the need for progress in legal matters and to implement necessary steps promptly for the city’s comprehensive development.
The Mayor instructed the Director of Land to improve the situation regarding land revenue, lease, and other terms related to KMC land. He asserted that funds recovered from KMC lands should be invested in the city’s construction and development. Notices should be issued immediately to those who have not received them, and a timeframe should be set for the recovery of dues.
He also highlighted the importance of utilizing modern technology to resolve complications and dual ownership issues in land matters. The performance of the Land Department and other revenue-generating departments of KMC is under continuous review, and improvements will be made to enhance their efficiency and service to the city.
Mayor Wahab’s directive focuses on ensuring the effective and transparent implementation of policies regarding land and revenue recovery, with the ultimate goal of improving the overall performance of KMC and serving the city efficiently.