HUNTSVILLE, Texas, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The state of Texas could potentially violate "international obligations" if it goes through with the execution of Jose Ernesto Medellin, a lawyer says.
Chicago attorney Sandra Babcock said due to the circumstances around Medellin's case, Texas would be well-advised not to execute the Mexican national, McClathchy newspapers said Monday.
"Texas … has the power to stop the execution," Babcock said. "If Texas doesn't stop the execution, Texas is going to be responsible for putting the United States in breach of its international obligations."
Lawyers for the 33-year-old, who was convicted of raping and killing two teenage girls in Houston in 1993, allege arresting officers had violated an international treaty by keeping Medellin from meeting with Mexican consular officials.
A U.N. court called for stays of Medellin and four other Mexican nationals awaiting execution in Texas came in response to a petition filed last month by the Mexican government. The request was for time to determine whether denying the men access to the Mexican Consulate after arrest impaired trial defenses.
U.S. President George Bush directed state courts to abide by the world court's decision and specifically asked Texas to review the Medellin case.
Medellin is facing his execution Tuesday and unless state officials act only the U.S. Supreme Court can stop the judgment from taking place, the Houston Chronicle said.
The Dallas Morning News said convicted killer Heliberto Chi is also scheduled to be executed this week. The 29-year-old is scheduled to be executed Thursday for killing a Dallas store owner and wounding another individual.
