WASHINGTON, July 2. /TASS/. US Attorney General Merrick Garland introduced a moratorium on federal executions on Thursday. It will remain in effect as long as the Ministry of Justice continues to review the department's policy on capital punishment and related procedures.

"Today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued a memorandum imposing a moratorium on federal executions while a review of the Justice Department’s policies and procedures is pending," the statement said.

"The Department of Justice must ensure that everyone in the federal criminal justice system is not only afforded the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States, but is also treated fairly and humanely. That obligation has special force in capital cases," Attorney General Garland said.

According to statement, "The Attorney General’s memorandum requires the reviews to include consultations with a wide range of stakeholders including the relevant department components, other federal and state agencies, medical experts and experienced capital counsel, among others. No federal executions will be scheduled while the reviews are pending".