ACLU Supporter –

The death penalty is a broken process, period. It's disproportionately used against the poor, people of color – and sometimes innocent people. But the execution of Russell "Rusty" Bucklew, scheduled for October 1, would be one of the most gruesome in U.S. history.

Rusty has a rare congenital disease that causes blood-filled tumors to grow in his head, neck, and throat. Under lethal injection, these tumors would likely rupture and cause Rusty to hemorrhage, choke, and suffocate on his own blood.

We have a chance to spare Rusty from this cruel and unusual execution if we pressure the governor of Missouri to grant him clemency. Sign the petition to stop this torturous execution from taking place.

Rusty's execution would be the first under Governor Mike Parson – and a botched, gruesome first execution would be a stain on his office as well as on the state of Missouri. Parson has a chance right now to choose compassion over torture.

We requested a hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to tell Rusty's story on an international stage. It will be the last chance to stop his execution. There's no doubt the execution will draw global condemnation – but before the hearing is underway, we must raise our voices against this cruel, unusual, and unconstitutional execution.

Add your name to tell Parson to grant Rusty clemency and spare him from an excruciatingly painful execution.

The death penalty in itself is a violation of international human rights. Together – by shining a light on cases like Rusty's – we can fight this injustice.

Thanks for taking action,

Jamil Dakwar
Director of the ACLU Human Rights Program