Retired US generals call on Pentagon to cancel livestream execution
A group of 72 retired US military officers has petitioned the government to cancel the planned livestream of Nidal Hasan's execution. They argue that broadcasting the event would violate human dignity and potentially turn the mass killer into a martyr.
Why it matters
The debate touches on constitutional concerns regarding cruel and unusual punishment and the ethical implications of state-sanctioned violence in the digital age.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Max Matza Getty Images Nidal Hasan in 2010 A group of 72 retired US generals, admirals, and other high-ranking military officers are pressing the US government to cancel plans to livestream an execution by firing squad.
"We ask the President, our Congressional representatives, and our fellow citizens to act to prevent this barbaric abuse of authority," they wrote in a letter where they also argued the livestream would turn the mass killer into a "martyr".
Last week, the Pentagon announced it would publicly show the 3 December execution of Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist who shot dead 13 unarmed US soldiers at the Fort Hood military base.
Lawmakers from both parties, as well as religious leaders, have criticised the plan.
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