Arkansas Is Continuing Attempts To Move Forward With Scheduled Double Executions
Arkansas Is Continuing Attempts To Move Forward With Scheduled Double Executions
The state of Arkansas has been blocked on multiple fronts but still is seeking to go forward with four double executions scheduled over an eleven-day period due to the state's drug of choice nearing its expiration date. Do you think the executions should be staid?
The state of Arkansas has been blocked on multiple fronts but still is seeking to go forward with four double executions scheduled over an eleven-day period due to the state's drug of choice nearing its expiration date. Do you think the executions should be staid?
Although stays of execution have already been granted to eight inmates facing four scheduled double executions over the course of the next 11 days, the state of Arkansas continues to fight to move forward with the executions before its drug of choice, midazolam, expires on April 30th, for which Arkansas now has no supplier. According to Arkansas' solicitor general, Lee Rudofsky:
Immediate reversal is warranted. Delaying Appellees' executions by even a few days — until Arkansas's supply of midazolam expires — will make it impossible for Arkansas to carry out Appellees' just and lawful sentences.
Lee Rudofsky
ABC News, April 17, 2017
The inmates' plea, however, states concern over whether the expiring drug would be sufficient to humanely deprive them of consciousness before stopping their hearts and lungs, killing them. They also express concern that the double executions and the extremely brief time periods between them would be extremely detrimental to their mental health.
Multiple executions are likely to result in mental health problems for those involved in the execution process. The current schedule does not conform to the standards followed in a civilized society.
Inmates' Appeal for Stay of Execution
ABC News, April 17, 2017
The inmates particularly referenced the state of Oklahoma's decision to mandate a minimum week between executions after an execution using midazolam in 2014 was found to have been flawed. But now, what we'd like to know is...
Do you think Arkansas should stay the inmates' executions?
Do you think Arkansas should stay the inmates' executions?