The long pause is due to the authorities, when the stock of preparations that can be used in executions by injection ran out, being unable to replenish it. There was no manufacturer willing to openly sell to them. The last execution before Friday's took place in 2011.
According to the new regulations decided during the long pause, a condemned person can choose the method of their execution – injection, firing squad, or electric chair. The now-executed person let his lawyer choose injection.
According to the news agency AP, the 46-year-old said "goodbye" to his lawyer when he received the injection on Friday evening local time, and she replied with a "goodbye". After about a minute, he lost consciousness and was declared dead about ten minutes later.
The Supreme Court has given the green light to carry out an execution every fifth week. Of the 31 condemned persons waiting, five have exhausted their possibilities to appeal.
