Alabama Executes Second Inmate Using Controversial Nitrogen Asphyxiation Method

Alabama executed Alan Miller, a convicted murderer, via nitrogen asphyxiation. This is the second time the state has used this controversial method. Despite the state's claims of it being the most painless method, past executions have shown signs of distress. Critics, including the Biden administration and U.N. officials, have condemned it.

Alabama executed convicted murderer Alan Miller on Thursday, marking the second time the state has employed nitrogen asphyxiation since introducing the method in January. Miller, aged 65, was convicted for the 1999 murders of three men in Pelham, Alabama. He was pronounced dead at 6:38 p.m. at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, according to a statement from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

The state's first nitrogen-asphyxiation execution in January, involving convicted murderer Kenneth Smith, was marked by visible distress, contradicting claims that the method is the 'most painless' execution protocol. Witnesses reported that Smith convulsed and struggled for several minutes before losing consciousness. These observations have drawn criticism from senior U.N. human rights officials and the Biden administration.

Miller had sued the state over concerns that the asphyxiation method might violate constitutional bans on cruel and unusual punishment. His case ended in a confidential settlement, and it remains unclear if any protocol changes were made. Despite controversies, Alabama continues to advocate for nitrogen asphyxiation as a viable alternative for states facing difficulties in obtaining lethal-injection drugs.

(With inputs from agencies.)