Australian senator asks government to block US execution livestream

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young wrote on October 12 to Australia's communications minister and eSafety commissioner asking them to prevent access to a planned US execution livestream, Australian media reported.

The request concerns Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009. Hanson-Young called for the footage to be unavailable on Australian internet services, television and streaming platforms.

She also sought substantial fines for platforms that broadcast or replay the execution. Her letter is a demand for action, rather than an announcement that a blocking order has been issued.

A communications department spokesperson said broadcasters must follow rules for violent or distressing content and exercise editorial control. Labor minister Julian Hill said he opposed making the footage available but was unsure which legal powers could be used or how effective blocking would be.

Opposition politician Tim Wilson also criticised the planned broadcast while raising concerns about internet censorship. The debate leaves both the legal mechanism and any final restrictions unresolved.