On Thursday (Could 4), a various group of clergy spoke at a press convention on the Oklahoma Capitol to induce a cease to the execution of Richard Glossip. The scheduled execution on Could 18 is the tenth date set for Glossip, and on three events the reprieve got here so late he had already been served his “final meal.” Clergy and politicians spoke out Thursday as a part of a rising refrain of those that imagine Glossip is harmless.
“This isn’t a partisan dialog. It is a ethical dialog about how we are going to deal with each other as human beings,” mentioned John-Mark Hart, a Baptist pastor in Oklahoma Metropolis. “We have now grave considerations a couple of system that’s so damaged that there’s a very sturdy risk of executing harmless folks. We have now considerations concerning the demise penalty due to mercy, however we even have considerations due to justice.”
On Jan. 7, 1997, Justin Sneed used a baseball bat to kill Barry Van Treese. In change for a deal that allow him keep away from the demise penalty, Sneed testified that Glossip ordered the killing. Glossip’s first conviction was thrown out by an appeals court docket in 2001. However a second conviction can also be questioned by many over considerations concerning the credibility of Sneed, prosecutorial habits, and proof withheld from protection attorneys.
His execution has been stayed a number of instances since 2014, largely over questions on what medicine Oklahoma is utilizing for deadly injections. Amid new investigations and hearings in latest months, Oklahoma Legal professional Common Gentner Drummond, a Republican, final month sought to vacate Glossip’s conviction, however the appellate court docket denied that movement. In an uncommon transfer, he has now joined protection attorneys in asking the U.S. Supreme Courtroom to difficulty a keep of execution. Different politicians are additionally calling for a reprieve.
“This case is not about justice; it’s about energy, satisfaction, and politics,” mentioned Republican State Rep. Kevin McDugle, who added that when Glossip is free of jail, “it’s going to actually be a miracle of God.”
McDugle invited numerous ministers to additionally communicate on the press convention that was livestreamed by the Oklahoma Home of Representatives. A lot of the clergy have been native ministers, however they have been additionally joined by Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun well-known for her advocacy in opposition to the demise penalty who was performed by Susan Sarandon in Lifeless Man Strolling. She talked concerning the issues with the conviction and the methods Glossip has been handled in jail forward of a number of execution dates.
“Who doesn’t acknowledge that that is cruelty? What retains us from seeing that?” Prejean exclaimed as she slapped the rostrum. “We’re speaking about conscience. We’re speaking about being human. … That is about us as a folks, and we’re higher than this.”
Demetris Minor, a minister who leads Conservatives Involved Concerning the Loss of life Penalty, argued, “Going ahead with this execution solely continues a cycle of violence moderately than honors life.” Along with urging the governor and the state legislature to intervene in Glossip’s case, Minor additionally referred to as for a moratorium on executions within the state.
“What number of Richard Glossips need to get our consideration for us to lastly notice that this technique is ineffective? This method is unjust. It’s a failed coverage for everybody,” Minor added. “As a pro-life Christian, my religion compels me to advocate for the totality of life.”
Equally, Bryan Brooks, a Catholic priest in Damaged Arrow, talked concerning the worth of the lives of these murdered and people sentenced to die like Glossip. Referring to the teachings and witness of Jesus — who Brooks famous was “falsely accused, convicted, and executed” — the priest urged Oklahomans to observe mercy.
Extra rallies and efforts are deliberate within the coming days to push Gov. Kevin Stitt, state lawmakers, and judges to cease the execution and vacate the fees in opposition to Glossip. If executed, Glossip can be the twelfth particular person put to demise within the U.S. this 12 months and the second in Oklahoma.
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