This news from Oklahoma: a state appeals court has ordered an indefinite halt to the execution of a Mexican man whose case drew appeals from Mexican President Vicente Fox. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals said the latest appeal by the prisoner, Gerardo Valdez, raised questions about whether his rights were violated under an international treaty that guarantees foreigners the right to contact their consul after an arrest. The panel said the order would remain in effect until the further order of the court. Lawyers for Valdez are seeking a new trial.