US Supreme Court Declines to Halt Execution Involving Nitrogen Gas

The US Supreme Court has declined to stop Alabama from carrying out the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith using nitrogen gas, a method that has never been used for capital punishment before. Smith had pleaded with the court to intervene, arguing that the process of injecting toxic nitrogen into his body via a mask would be a form of cruel and unusual punishment. The execution is scheduled to take place on Thursday. It is worth noting that Alabama had previously attempted to execute Smith two years ago, but by lethal injection, for his conviction in a murder case dating back to 1989. This is a developing story and more information will be provided shortly. For the latest updates, refresh the page or alternatively, you can receive breaking news on your smartphone or tablet through the BBC News App or by following @BBCBreaking on Twitter.