South Carolina Firing Squad Execution of Mikal Mahdi Criticized as Botched
Execution of Mikal Mahdi led to extreme pain as bullets missed their target in a controversial firing squad execution in South Carolina, prompting legal challenges.
Summary
A pathologist's report reveals that Mikal Mahdi suffered severe pain during his firing squad execution in South Carolina, as bullets missed the intended target area on his heart. Witnesses reported cries of agony, and experts suggest the procedure was poorly executed, leading to a prolonged death. The incident has raised concerns over the training of prison staff and the effectiveness of firing squads as humane methods of execution, given the state’s recent revival of capital punishment. Mahdi's attorneys submitted evidence to the South Carolina Supreme Court, emphasizing the need for scrutiny in execution protocols.
Articles (3)
- The firing squad method is inherently inhumane and has resulted in a botched execution, emphasizing the need to reconsider capital punishment practices as they cause unnecessary suffering.
- The state's failure to ensure a humane execution process reflects systemic issues in the criminal justice system that disproportionately affect marginalized groups.
- Mikal Mahdi's case exemplifies the brutal reality of capital punishment and raises moral questions regarding its validity in modern society.
The Guardian·24d· "…The South Carolina department of corrections (SCDC) and the state’s attorney general have been contacted for comment."