Diplomats object to US over import of drug for executions

[cal04]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/diplomats-object-to-us-over-import-of-drug-for-executions-2170405.html

British diplomats have complained to the US government about a drug imported from the UK being used in the execution of death row prisoners.

Officials from the British embassy in Washington said they were "dismayed" and "very concerned" that UK-sourced sodium thiopental, a barbiturate injected to induce unconsciousness, would be used in future executions. They have also objected to its use in the execution of Jeffrey Landrigan, a death row prisoner who reportedly suffered from mental health problems.

In a letter sent to the Department of State, a copy of which has been obtained by The Independent, the British officials also warn that it would be illegal for the drug to be used again – such as in the planned execution of Edmund Zagorski in Tennessee – because the imported compound has not been officially approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"As you know, the UK firmly opposes the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle," states the letter, from the embassy's political counsellor, Ian Bond.

[baldguy]

1. One of those pro-death penalty states should set up a state-owned corporation to produce the drug.

But then, that would be socialist.

[LuvNewcastle]

2. I don't see why they must have

that particular drug. There are plenty of drugs that kill people.:shrug: