South Carolina inmate questions lethal injection drug details before execution

Freddie Owens, a South Carolina inmate scheduled for execution, is questioning the adequacy of information provided by state prison officials regarding the lethal injection drug, pentobarbital. His attorneys argue that the state only shared a summary indicating the drug's stability and potency, without disclosing critical details from the testing report. They seek the full report to ensure the drug's safety and effectiveness, as the lack of information could lead to severe complications during execution. The state has not executed anyone since 2011, primarily due to difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs, as companies fear public backlash. A shield law enacted in 2023 restricts the release of information about the drug's source, complicating the situation further. Owens' legal team contends that without comprehensive data, he cannot make an informed choice regarding his method of execution, which includes lethal injection, electrocution, or a firing squad. Owens faces a deadline to decide on his execution method, with his attorneys arguing that signing the form would conflict with his Muslim beliefs, as it would imply an active role in his death. The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that Owens can delegate the decision to his lawyer, but the urgency of the situation is heightened by the lack of transparency surrounding the lethal injection protocol. As the execution date approaches, the legal and ethical implications of the state's actions are under scrutiny, raising questions about the rights of condemned inmates and the responsibilities of the state in ensuring humane treatment during capital punishment.