The problems that arose during the attempted execution of an inmate in the US could hasten the end of capital punishment, says Heide Brandes in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols was jailed for life without the possibility of parole today for his role in the worst act of domestic terrorism in US history.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson and about two dozen other demonstrators have been arrested outside an Oklahoma prison, protesting against the scheduled execution of Wanda Jean Allen, a black woman.