Arkansas to execute 8 in the course of 10 days
The state of Arkansas in the United States plans to execute 8 people in pairs throughout the course of 10 days. All of this brings up the concept of execution. Opponents of executions were very quick to criticize the executions, saying that they are grotesque and inhumane.
Have a look at a snippet of the article.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CNN
"The Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (ACADP) is outraged by ... plans to carry out eight executions within the span of ten days in April," the organization said. "This planned mass execution is grotesque and unprecedented."
Attorneys for the eight men are attempting to block the executions.
Inmates sentenced to death
Arkansas plans to execute eight inmates over 10 days in April.
They argue that Midazolam -- the drug used to render inmates unconscious before they are given two more drugs that paralyze and kill them -- does not effectively keep those being executed from experiencing a painful death.
The second drug, pancuronium bromide, paralyzes the inmate. The third, potassium chloride, brings on cardiac arrest and stops the heart.
"Unless the prisoner is unconscious, then drugs two and three will cause pain -- torturous punishment, in violation of the Eighth Amendment, and state guarantees against cruel and unusual punishment," said Jeffrey Rosenzweig, an attorney for three of the inmates.
He pointed to what he said were "botched executions" in several states that also involved Midazolam.
Rosenzweig said the attorneys also have asked for clarification about whether a previously granted stay of execution is still in effect in Arkansas.