The Pentagon have said that the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009, would be broadcast live. I am deeply troubled by the upcoming live stream of a state-sanctioned execution scheduled for the 3rd of December, which could be accessible to UK devices.

We should not allow the spectacle of a firing squad execution to reach our screens.  It is barbaric and will stir up an ugly mob mentality in a country that is already deeply divided, and will send a message to America that we condone televised murder.  Execution is not entertainment, but that is what it will become.  

Not only does it set a dangerous precedent, it is wholly inappropriate content for children and vulnerable people.  State sanctioned murder should never become a form of entertainment. I urge the UK government to take immediate action to block this broadcast in our country

Executions are the ultimate irreversible action and broadcasting them live trivializes the pain and suffering involved, turning it into a spectacle rather than a moment of reflection on human rights and the sanctity of life. The United Nations Human Rights Council has consistently condemned capital punishment, urging countries around the world to abolish it. The European Union, including the UK, takes a firm stance against the death penalty, believing in the fundamental rights of every human being to life and dignity.

Allowing this execution to be accessible on UK devices contradicts our shared values and violates our commitment to promoting human rights internationally. Broadcasting such events not only desensitizes viewers but also risks glorifying violence and disregarding the serious moral questions surrounding the death penalty.

Technology allows us unprecedented access to information and entertainment, but with great power comes great responsibility. It is our duty to ensure that this power is not misused to promote or normalize brutality.

I am calling on the UK government to act swiftly and decisively by implementing technology that blocks access to this execution stream. By doing so, we send a powerful message that we reject the commodification of human suffering and stand firmly against the death penalty.

Please join me in urging the UK government to protect our screens and our values. Sign this petition to demand a prohibition on the live streaming of this and any other execution to UK devices. Together, we can take a stand for humanity and decency.