Authorities in the southwestern U.S. state of Texas executed a Mexican national murderer despite the fact that the case stirred international protests.

Inmate Jose Ernesto Medellin was executed after being convicted of raping and murdering two Texas girls 15 years ago. Authorities carried out the execution Tuesday night after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to grant a reprieve after a 5-4 vote.  

The inmate’s attorneys said that their client was denied assistance from the Mexican consulate after he was detained. According to the 1963 Vienna Convention, Medellin had that right. However, Texas authorities maintained that the arrest, trial and sentencing were in compliance with state, U.S. and international laws.

The execution had been scheduled for 6 p.m., but authorities delayed it for a few hours while the Supreme Court considered his appeal. Medellin was pronounced dead at 9:57 p.m. local time.

"I'm sorry my actions caused you pain. I hope this brings you the closure that you seek," the 33-year-old told those gathered at his execution.

The execution drew worldwide attention and involved institutions and people beyond the United States and Mexico. Last month, the International Court of Justice gave the U.S. government the order to grant a stay of execution to the Mexican inmate and four other co-nationals facing execution.

Unites States President also ordered Texas to act in accordance with the international court's ruling and reopen its case against Medellin, but Bush had overstepped his authority, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in March. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also urged the United States to halt the execution.

After Texas authorities carried out the execution, Mexico's Foreign Relations Department sent a note of protest to the State Department, The Associated Press reported.