P R E S S   R E L E A S E
from
F L O R I D I A N S   FOR   A L T E R N A T I V E S
                                   TO THE DEATH PENALTY   (FADP)



For Immediate Release - February 21, 2007


Sent By:
Mark Elliott
Director, Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, FADP.org
(727) 215-9646
mark@fadp.org

Jonathan I. Groner MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery,
The Ohio State University College of Medicine,
office 614-722-3919, cell 614-204-1824


ANONYMOUS MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL was
DEAD WRONG in LETHAL INJECTION TESTIMONY


At a February 19 hearing before the Governor’s Commission on Administration of
Lethal injection, a man  with an electronically disguised voice, who had unknown
qualifications, testified that not only did the Diaz execution go smoothly, but
also that the intravenous lines had been placed properly.  Nothing could be
further from the truth.

The autopsy clearly demonstrates that neither intravenous cannula was in the
proper position.  The report states, “cannulae extend into vein lumens through
punctures in anterior vein walls and continue through posterior vein walls and
into underlying soft tissues.  Tips of both cannulae are embedded in soft
tissues and not in vascular lumina.”  This indicates that the IVs punctured
through the veins at the time of insertion.  The anonymous assertion that the
IVs somehow perforated the veins after Mr. Diaz died is simply false.

Furthermore, the autopsy reports “fluid filled bullae” (blisters) on both arms,
with “focal erythematous changes in the surrounding skin.”  These are clearly
chemical burns from the execution drugs, and measured 12 x 5 inches on the right
arm and 11x 7 inches on the left arm.  Chemical burns of this size cause severe
pain.

The autopsy report clearly demonstrates that the lethal injection of Angel Diaz
was anything but smooth.  This botched execution, which caused pain and
suffering, should encourage the Florida Commission to consider a moratorium on
capital punishment.

Note:  Jonathan I. Groner MD has written and spoken extensively about the role
of physicians in lethal injection.  He recently returned from speaking at the
World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris, France.  His articles have
been published in BMJ (British Medical Journal), Health and Human Rights:  An
International Journal, and Ethics and Medicine.







**********
SENT BY:

      Mark Elliott
      Spokesperson
      Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP)
      800-973-6548
      mark@fadp.org
      www.fadp.org
      PMB 335, 2603 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hwy,
      Gainesville, FL 32609


Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty works for restorative
justice in the form of effective alternatives to the death penalty. It
does so by

* supporting and coordinating the work of organizations and individuals
* educating and energizing the general public and state legislators
* supporting the many persons affected by capital crime and punishment
* advocating specific legislative improvements