The New York Times

Friday, February 11, 2000

National News Briefs

MISSOURI SUES BENETTON OVER DEATH ROW ADS

Jefferson City, Mo. , Feb. 10 (Reuters) - Missouri's attorney general has accused the Italian clothing maker Benetton of fraudulent misrepresentation in a lawsuit over the use of four death row inmates in an advertising campaign.

Attorney General Jeremiah W. Nixon said on Wednesday that the company had told officials that interviews with inmates were intended for a Newsweek magazine article.

"Instead, we find out that the project is a part of a Benetton advertising campaign," Mr. Nixon said.

Benetton's campaign features photographs and interviews with more than two dozen death row inmates and is intended to raise doubts about the use of the death penalty.