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On Feb. 11, the state of Alabama intends to execute Willie B. Smith III without his pastor by his side — which Smith alleges is a violation of his religious freedom.
Smith has requested that Pastor Robert Wiley Jr., his friend and spiritual adviser, be able to pray with him and hold his hand up until his death. Currently, Alabama’s protocol does not allow for any religious figures to be present in the execution chamber and instead relegates them to the viewing room. The case is currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, where Smith’s representation is arguing that this is a prohibition of his religious rights.