By ZIVA BRANSTETTER World Enterprise Editor and CARY ASPINWALL World Staff Writer
The Supreme Court will take up a challenge to Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocol that claims the process amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.
Attorneys for inmate Richard Glossip, who is set to be executed Thursday, said after the court’s announcement they will ask for a stay. Glossip is among 21 death row inmates who filed the lawsuit last summer.
The court scheduled oral arguments in the case for April 29, one year after inmate Clayton Lockett’s execution went awry using the state’s new protocol.
OK-CADP Statement in response to Supreme Court Granting Writ of Certiorari:
“Oklahoma must halt all executions now. The focus needs to be shifted away from executions to the growing number of Oklahomans who want resources and justice to be placed directly on supporting victims of violence, instead of the millions of dollars spent on court battles,” said Lydia Polley, OK-CADP board member and former chair.
“It is tragic that the Supreme Court oral arguments are set to begin one year to the date when the botched execution of Clayton Lockett occurred. OK-CADP is pleased the Supreme Court has granted the writ of Certiorari and will now hear the case. Hopefully there will be a stay for Richard Glossip, John Grant and Ben Cole. It is also regrettable that the Supreme Court decision to grant a hearing came too late to save the life of Charles Warner.”
OK-CADP believes that Richard Eugene Glossip is an innocent man. Please sign the petition and learn more about his story here.
Tags: Gov. Mary Fallin, oklahoma, Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Richard Eugene Glossip, sister helen prejean, US Supreme Court
