The national ACLU is distributing a video saying Arkansas is risking “torturing prisoners to death” in its “rush” to execute eight prisoners in 10 days.

The criticism relates to midazolam, one of three drugs employed in the lethal injection process. The anesthetic’s efficacy has been challenged, including in a U.S. Supreme Court dissent in a death penalty case, and implicated in botched executions in other states. Arkansas’s supply expires at the end of this month, one reason the governor is rushing to execute eight in a short span.

Advertisement

Arkansas Times: Your voice in the fight

Are you tired of watered-down news and biased reporting? The Arkansas Times has been fighting for truth and justice for 50 years. As an alternative newspaper in Little Rock, we are tough, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, we are making a difference. But we can't do it without you. Join the 3,400 paid subscribers who support our great journalism and help us hire more writers. Sign up for a subscription today or make a donation of as little as $1 and help keep the Arkansas Times feisty for years to come.

Previous article ‘Well, I guess this is growing up?’ Next article French Hill sides with financial industry against retiree protection rule