In the wake of three failed execution attempts, 170 faith leaders throughout the state have sent a letter to Gov. Kay Ivey asking for an independent review in Alabama’s execution procedures.

Currently, a review of any kind dealing with failed executions is conducted by the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). However, ADOC is also responsible for conducting the executions.

The group of leaders feels that it is a conflict of interest to allow ADOC to review its executions.

According to Fox, the letter stated, “The fact of the matter is that an agency that has failed repeatedly to get its own house in order cannot be trusted to privately conduct an investigation into problems it is causing.”

The letter also called for reviews to be open.

Within the letter, the group addressed a recent statement from ADOC Commissioner John Hamm. He had previously said that the review from the state will take one to two months.

“For now, we are asking for transparency, accountability, and humility in how the State of Alabama undertakes responsibilities that implicate every resident of this state, indeed each citizen who lives under this government,” Hamm said.

Alabama’s executions are currently on hold until the review is complete.

Ivey said the executions are something that must be done correctly.

“For the sake of the victims and their families, we’ve go to get this right,” she said in calling for the hold.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.