Emergency motion for stay filed in Arkansas' execution drugs case

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas has filed an emergency motion to stay a circuit court ruling that ordered the state prison system to disclose labels that will identify the maker of a lethal injection drug.

The motion filed Monday with the Arkansas Supreme Court challenges the order issued last week by Pulaski County Circuit Judge Mackie Pierce giving prison officials until Thursday to give lawyer Steven Shults unredacted package inserts for recently acquired midazolam.

In the 12-page motion, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge argues that Pierce's order violates state law barring disclosure of information that may identify those who supply drugs used in executions.

With the state's previous midazolam supply approaching its expiration date in April, Arkansas scheduled eight executions and carried out four.

Another execution is set for Nov. 9.

Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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