Inmates ask Arkansas court to void orders setting executions

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Attorneys for eight Arkansas death row inmates scheduled to be put to death next month are asking the state’s highest court to void Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s orders setting their execution dates.

The inmates asked the state Supreme Court on Wednesday to invalidate the proclamations scheduling their executions. On Monday, Hutchinson set four double executions during a 10-day period in April, though the state is lacking one of the drugs needed to put the men to death.

The inmates’ attorneys say a stay blocking the executions is still in place while an amended complaint challenging Arkansas’ lethal injection law is pending in a Pulaski County court. The state asked the court Monday to clarify that the stay on executions had been lifted.

The inmates also requested oral arguments before the court.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.