The Associated Press and other news agencies sued the state of Idaho yesterday to view executions from start to finish. They want to be able to observe and report any complications that might come up.
Four reporters witnessed the execution of Paul Rhoades last November. They were there as observers and to share what they saw with the public. When the viewing curtain opened they saw Rhoades already strapped to a table with an I-V in his arm. AP reporter Rebecca Boone was there. She’s among those fighting to see the entire execution. Boone says, "This is the most powerful action that the courts and government can take, it’s killing a person. So if we don’t know what happens for half of that process, then it’s impossible to have an educated and vital debate about it."
Idaho Department of Correction officials say they shield the early part of the process to protect the identity of those who prepare the inmate for execution. Brent Reinke directs the Department. He says, "You don’t want me putting needles in people’s arms. That needs to be medical professionals. One of the things the warden guarantees and I guarantee is that we will protect their identity."
Idaho is one of 32 states that limits access to reporters during lethal injections. Idaho is scheduled to execute its next death row inmate in less than three weeks.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio