EU imposes strict controls on 'execution drug' exports

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Source: BBC

The European Commission has imposed strict controls on the export of drugs used to carry out lethal injections.

EU firms wanting to export drugs such as the sedative sodium thiopental will now first have to ensure the product is not going to be used for executions.

The ruling could slow down the rate of executions in the US, where the drug must be used by law in lethal injections but is in short supply. <snip>

The European Commission - the executive arm of the EU - said it wanted to ensure that no drugs were being exported from the union for use in "capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment".


Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16281016