An Austrian politician says California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger should be stripped of citizenship in his native Austria for approving the execution of a convicted killer.

Peter Pilz, a top official with the Green Party, said Saturday Mr. Schwarzenegger, who holds dual citizenship, broke Austrian law by allowing Donald Beardslee's death by lethal injection on Wednesday.

The Green Party official said according to the law, citizenship can be revoked if an Austrian in the service of another country heavily damages the interests of Austria.

Mr. Pilz insists Mr. Schwarzenegger has seriously damaged Austria's reputation because capital punishment is illegal in Austria.

The party official has submitted a formal request to the Austrian government but observers say his campaign has little chance of success with Austria's conservative cabinet.

Mr. Schwarzenegger is best known as a movie star and bodybuilder.