ACLU: Europe Won't Supply Execution Cocktail to U.S.

[marmar]

Europe Won't Supply Execution Cocktail to U.S.


The political gulf between American policy and European policy on capital punishment widened further today as the European Commission released its decision to tighten export controls for some key materials used in the execution or cruel treatment of prisoners. The new policy applies expressly to the exportation of such goods by European countries to nations that still engage in capital punishment or torture.

Yesterday’s decision by the European Commission is in line with its Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which affirms a universal and unconditional stance against capital punishment. As Catherine Ashton, High Representative for the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission stated:

“The European Union opposes the death penalty under all circumstances. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that no one shall be condemned to the death penalty, or executed. In this regard, the decision today contributes to the wider EU efforts to abolish the death penalty worldwide.”

Sodium thiopental, a chemical commonly used in the three-drug cocktail used in American lethal injection, can now only be exported from E.U. countries with prior authorization by national authorities. The decision will likely increase the difficulty faced by states of procuring the already scarce drug for use in their executions. In addition, the Commission announced that the import and export of electric shock sleeves and cuffs, instrumental in the use of the electric chair, are now wholly prohibited from import and export. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.aclu.org/blog/capital-punishment-human-rights/europe-wont-supply-execution-cocktail-us

[Solly Mack]

1. K&R