May 2024
We are pleased to attach our latest monthly report covering the period mid April to mid May thanks to the work of group member Lesley in compiling it.
Urgent Action: Alabama
We attach details of an urgent action in Alabama, USA
May 2024
We attach details of an urgent action and asking you to spare a few moments to write to protest at the injustice of this case. It concerns Jamie Mills convicted of murder but a key witness JoAnn Mills had agreed a plea deal prior to the trial. In this she implicated Jamie Mills and in return, the murder charge against her was dropped and she was given a life sentence with the prospect of parole. This deal was denied at trial which suggests the District Attorney lied to the court. Clearly, the presence or not of such a deal would influence the jury’s decision on how truthful the witness’s testimony was. The existence of the deal was subsequently admitted.
Nevertheless, the execution is due to go ahead on 30th of this month. The Alabama Reflector notes quotes the governor:
“Although I have no current plans to grant clemency in this case, I retain my authority under the Constitution of the state of Alabama to grant reprieve or commutation, if necessary, at any time before the execution is carried out,” in what amounts to a standard letter for an execution. Amnesty opposes the death penalty in all instances. This is an example of the high level of risk of miscarriage of justice because of the serious doubts over the witness testimony. After execution, nothing can be done to put it right.
If you have the time we ask that you write or email the governor (pictured).
Death penalty report
April 2024
We are pleased to attach this month’s report for the period mid March to mid April thanks for group member Lesley for the work in compiling it. Reports include those from USA, Congo, Pakistan and Russia.
The Salisbury group was established 50 years ago this year
Death penalty report
March 2024
We are pleased to attach the February – March death penalty report thanks to group member Lesley for the work in compiling it. Note as ever, there are no details from China which is believed to execute more of its citizens than any other country, because the information is a state secret.
The Salisbury Group was established 50 years ago this year
Alabama execution carried out
Execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith carried out yesterday despite widespread protests
January 2024
Kenneth Smith was executed yesterday (25 January) in Alabama after serving over 30 years on death row. What brought the execution to world-wide attention was the use of nitrogen hypoxia as the chosen method. Reports seem to show that the execution was prolonged and took over 20 minutes to complete. One report said he ‘thrashed violently’ while dying. This is the first time the gas has been used to execute someone and is as a result of pharmaceutical companies, in America and elsewhere, being reluctant to supply the drugs needed for lethal injection.
The jury in his trial voted for a life sentence but the judge in the case overruled them.
This was not the first attempt at executing Smith: there was an attempt in November 2022 by lethal injection but which failed after several unsuccessful efforts to find a vein. Smith suffered considerably during and after that attempt.
Executions are declining in the USA, the only country in the Americas which still executes its citizens.
Amnesty is opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances.
Sources: BBC; Death Penalty Information Center; Montgomery Advertiser; Birmingham Real-Time News
Death penalty report
January 2024
We attach the latest monthly death penalty report around the world for the period mid December 2023 to mid January 2024 thanks to group member Lesley for its preparation. We note as usual that there is no information from China – believed to execute more of its citizens than the rest of the world combined – because the information is a state secret. It is noted that in 2023, the USA was the only G7 country to execute people with Texas the state carrying out most executions.
Death penalty report
Death penalty report for mid November to mid December 2023
December 2023
We are pleased to attach the latest monthly death penalty report thanks to group member Lesley for the work in preparing it. As well as news from America, we report Iran has used the conflict in Gaza to mount a series of executions hoping the world will not notice. For the first time we include a small item about China which is believed to execute more of its citizens than the rest of the world combined but where details are a state secret.
Death penalty report
Report for mid October to mid November
November 2023
We are pleased to attach the death penalty report for the period mid October to mid November thanks to group member Lesley for the work in compiling it. An interesting item is the shift in opinion in the USA away from the use of the penalty. Once again, we note that China – believed to be the world’s largest user of the penalty – does not feature as all details are a state secret.
Death penalty report
October 2023
We are pleased to attach the death penalty report for mid-September to mid-October 2023 thanks to group member Lesley for the work in compiling the information. The report mentions the World Day Against the Death Penalty in which several group members took part sending an email and/or an email to Singapore concerning its use of the penalty for drugs offences. Note as ever that China does not feature as the details are a state secret. The country is believed to execute more of its citizens than the rest of the world combined.
Death penalty report: August, September
September 2023
We are pleased to attach the latest death penalty report produced by group member Lesley for the period mid August to mid September 2023. As ever there is good news and bad with some countries engaged in heavy use of the penalty. China – believed to be the world’s largest executioner of its citizens – is briefly mentioned but detailed statistics are not available because they are a state secret. It is depressing to note in the UK, that following the conviction of Lucy Letby of murdering new born infants and attempting to murder others, a national newspaper ran a poll showing a strong majority to bring the death penalty back for such crimes.
Amnesty in Salisbury & South Wiltshire - 50 this year! 