GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF LETHAL INJECTION MEETING TODAY IN TAMPA

GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF LETHAL INJECTION MEETING TODAY IN TAMPA.

AUTOPSY MEDICAL EXAMINER AND LETHAL INJECTION MEDICAL EXPERT TO BE QUIZED BY PANEL.


Following the botched execution of Angel Nieves Diaz on December 13, 2006, then-Governor Bush issued Executive Order 06-260 to create The Governor's Commission on the Administration of Lethal Injection. The Commission is charged with investigating the Diaz execution and making recommendations for changes.

All eyes are on Florida. Since the botched execution of Diaz, eight other states have joined Florida in suspending executions over rising concerns about lethal injection.

The Commission will meet in Tampa on Monday, Feb 12, 2007 AT 10AM. This historic investigation is the first time that Florida's Lethal Injection procedure has been officially reviewed by a panel in a public forum. This appears to be a powerful example of the new Open Government policy of Governor Crist's administration.

Monday's testimony will include William Hamilton, the Medical Examiner who performed the autopsy on Angel Diaz. Also Testifying will be Dr. Mark Heath, Columbia University Anesthesiology Professor and nationally recognized expert on Lethal Injection. Other medical experts are slated to testify.

The preliminary report is due to Governor Crist by Feb 15 and the final report will be released March 1, 2007.

Tampa meetings are at the Tampa Airport Marriott. Office Level. Offices of the Florida Bar. Meetings begin at 10AM. Florida Bar Association (813) 879-5151. Witnesses will be available for questions from the press.


For further comment contact Mark Elliott at 727-215-9646


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SENT BY:

Mark Elliott
Director
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP)
(727) 215-9646
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