Four area news orgs seek info on Pa.’s execution drugs
Four news organizations are asking a federal judge to unseal information about where the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections plans to get drugs for use in executing inmates.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia City Paper, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Guardian U.S. on Thursday filed an emergency motion in a long-running federal lawsuit that challenges the state’s execution procedures.
The organizations say the Corrections Department is contracting with compounding pharmacies to obtain the drugs, but the court has prevented disclosure of those pharmacies.
The media groups say they want to investigate the quality of execution drugs and make the public aware of them as part of reporting about the use of lethal injection.
An execution scheduled for Sept. 22 is on hold while a federal appeals court considers whether to take the case.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.