Stay of execution
Californian governor suspends executions for death row lags
San Quentin death row Manson and, left, how we covered his murder conviction CALIFORNIA is to place a moratorium on executions, giving all of its 737 death row inmates a reprieve.
Democratic governor Gavin Newsom yesterday issued an executive order, describing the death penalty as “inconsistent with our bedrock values”.
He is to close the US state’s new, unused execution chamber at San Quentin State Prison, and withdraw lethal injection regulations. No death row inmates will released. California executed someone in 2006.
Mr Newsom said: “I do not believe a civilised society can claim to be a leader in the world as long as its government continues to sanction the premeditated and discriminatory execution of its people.”
US President Donald Trump last was furious with move, and said: “Friends and families of the always forgotten victims are not thrilled, and neither am I.”
Michael Rushford, of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundabe the tion, said: “He’s got to be aware of the political downside. Voters have had multiple opportunities to abandon the death penalty, and they’ve shut them down.” It comes amid growing controversy over the use of lethal injection and increasing opposition to the death penalty in the US. California is the sixth US state where a governor has issued a death penalty moratorium.
Number of prisoners on death row in California as executions are halted