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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Lawyers for Arkansas inmates set to die this month because a key execution drug is expiring are in federal court arguing that the state’s aggressive timetable raises the risk that their deaths will be cruel and unusual.
Seven men are scheduled to die between April 17 and April 27. Another inmate has received a stay. They fear that a key sedative, midazolam, won’t prevent them from feeling the pain caused by other drugs that will shut down their lungs and heart.
The state’s solicitor general, Lee Rudofsky, told U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker said the inmates’ claims have been tried in other courts and that they aren’t entitled to additional legal battles. He said “enough is enough” and that the state should be allowed to carry out lawful executions.