Robert Roberson, a Texas man, is scheduled for execution on October 17th for the 2002 death of his two-year-old daughter. His case has sparked controversy due to the use of shaken baby syndrome (SBS) diagnosis, which has faced increasing scrutiny for its scientific validity. Roberson’s legal team argues his conviction was based on faulty and outdated scientific evidence, highlighting potential misdiagnosis and challenging the reliability of SBS as a forensic tool.
Iranian authorities carried out public executions of two men convicted of killing a police officer during an armed robbery in 2019. The executions, which took place in the city of Khomein, highlight Iran’s continued use of capital punishment for a range of offenses.
Saudi Arabia has reached a grim milestone, executing 198 prisoners in 2024, marking the highest number in over three decades. The country now holds the third-highest execution rate globally, surpassed only by China and Iran. This surge in executions surpasses previous records, highlighting a concerning trend in the kingdom’s capital punishment practices.
Taiwan’s Constitutional Court has upheld the legality of the death penalty but restricted its use to only the most serious crimes, such as murder. The court emphasized the need for strict scrutiny in applying and executing the death penalty, citing its irreversible nature. The court also stated that defendants with mental conditions should not be subjected to the death penalty.
The West Bengal Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a stringent anti-rape bill, the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill’, which includes capital punishment for rape resulting in death or vegetative state, expedited investigations, and the establishment of special courts to handle such cases. The Bill aims to create a safer environment for women and children by strengthening existing laws and speeding up the legal process.
The West Bengal government has introduced the ‘Aparajita’ Bill in the state Assembly, proposing capital punishment for those convicted of rape resulting in the victim’s death or vegetative state. This comes in response to the recent rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata.
The West Bengal Assembly will convene a special session on September 2nd to pass a Bill proposing capital punishment for convicts in rape and murder cases. This comes in response to the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. The Bill will be tabled for discussion and passage on September 3rd, with the Chief Minister vowing to sit on a protest if the Governor delays approval.
Doctors across Delhi will hold a silent protest demanding justice for the Kolkata doctor who was raped and murdered. The protest comes as West Bengal’s Chief Minister also plans a demonstration seeking capital punishment for the accused.
Researchers have found that race significantly increases the odds of a botched execution in the U.S., with Black people having 220 percent higher chances of experiencing one than white people. The study, conducted by Reprieve, a legal action nonprofit, analyzed all recorded conducted and attempted lethal injection procedures in the last half century. The findings, published in a report released Thursday, focus on 73 botched executions out of 1,407 total executions between 1977 and 2023. The report calls for a moratorium on all lethal injection procedures and recommends that witnesses be allowed to witness executions and for the Food and Drug Administration to regulate the drugs used to kill people.
A study from Reprieve has revealed a significant racial disparity in botched lethal injection executions. Black prisoners face a 220% higher chance of experiencing a botched execution compared to white prisoners. The analysis examined 1,407 executions between 1977 and 2023, identifying 73 instances of botched procedures. States with the highest racial disparities include Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma. The report highlights the lack of oversight and illegal practices that contribute to botched executions, leading to prolonged and painful deaths. Experts emphasize the need for transparency, regulation, and a moratorium on lethal injection procedures.
