Texas execution has international impact

Story from The Takeaway. Use audio player above to listen to full report.

An execution scheduled in Texas today is making international headlines. Should Humberto Leal Garcia, Jr. die at the hands of the state, the U.S.’s diplomatic relations with Mexico could be adversely impacted, and possibly may violate the U.S.’s compliance with the U.N.’s Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Garcia was convicted in 1994 of raping and killing a 16-year-old girl in Texas. He is a Mexican national and was not informed that he could access Mexican consular officials after his arrest. Garcia has been denied clemency from the state of Texas, but President Obama has asked that the Supreme Court weigh in on his case by today.

Sandra Babcock, clinical professor of law and director of the Center for International Human Rights at Northwestern University, represents Humberto Leal Garci,a Jr. and is arguing for a stay in the case. She speaks with us about what might happen today.

“We really just want our day in court,” Babcock told The Takeaway. “We want an opportunity to show that if Mr. Leal had had consular assistance it would of made a difference. It’s our contention that if he had the opportunity to seek the aid of his country that he would not of been convicted let alone sentenced to death.”

————————————————————-

“The Takeaway” is a national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in