Federal judge in Alabama bans nitrogen inhalation as execution method

A federal judge in Alabama has prohibited the state from employing nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution, ruling it unconstitutional. Judge Emily C. Marks issued her decision on Tuesday, determining that the use of nitrogen inhalation violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. This ruling specifically halted the planned execution of death row inmate Jeffery Lee, which had been scheduled for Thursday in an Alabama prison. The judge's decision prevents the state from proceeding with this particular execution method, citing its non-compliance with constitutional standards. Sources: Le Monde.