Is the death penalty 'state sponsored suicide'?

By Associated Press Published: Nov 8, 2011 at 2:24 PM PDT
Is the death penalty 'state sponsored suicide'?
In this May 18, 2011, file photo, convicted killer Gary Haugen leaves Marion County courthouse after a hearing in Salem, Ore., where Marion County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Guimond issued a death warrant for 49-year-old Haugen, who was convicted twice of brutal murders. A group of death penalty opponents plans to fight the planned execution of Haugen who is scheduled to die by lethal injection in August after abandoning appeals. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, file)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Opponents of the death penalty have called on Gov. John Kitzhaber to declare a moratorium on executions in Oregon, starting with one scheduled next month.

They argue the state spends millions on a death penalty system but in recent decades has executed only those who give up their appeals.

They call capital punishment "state sponsored suicide for those whose mental demons make death a better choice than life in prison."

A petition Tuesday said Kitzhaber should grant a reprieve to Gary Haugen, who is scheduled to die Dec. 6., and let him continue to serve life without parole.

It called on Kitzhaber to launch a review of the death penalty.

A spokesman said Kitzhaber wouldn't comment until pending legal actions have run their course.

Haugen has battled to waive his appeals and hasten his execution. He is critical of the legal system and those he sees as profiting from it.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press