China’s controversial “death vans” or mobile execution units have once again come under global attention due to allegations linked to lethal injections and organ removal practices.
These vehicles, officially used for carrying out death penalties, operate across different provinces in China. Instead of taking prisoners to a fixed execution site, authorities reportedly use specially designed vans to carry out executions through lethal injections.
What Are China’s ‘Death Vans’?
From the outside, these vehicles appear similar to normal police minibuses. However, inside they function as mobile execution chambers.
The vans are around seven metres long and are equipped with a stretcher where prisoners are tied down before the execution process begins. Reports suggest these vehicles are used in different towns and cities whenever local courts issue death penalty orders.
The execution team inside the van usually includes police officials, medical staff, and technicians.
How Is the Execution Carried Out?
According to reports, prisoners are first sedated before being brought into the van. They are then placed on a sliding stretcher and secured with straps.
A lethal injection is administered through an intravenous tube connected to an automatic injection system. Officials reportedly monitor the process through cameras and video screens installed inside the vehicle to ensure procedures follow state guidelines.
The injection is believed to contain a combination of chemicals, including sodium thiopental to induce unconsciousness, pancuronium bromide to stop breathing, and potassium chloride to stop the heart.
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