By Stacey Bearchenger
WBIR
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Corrections will not say if it has the chemicals needed to execute inmates via lethal injection.
Attorneys for inmates challenging the state’s protocol say the drugs are not on hand. And an opportunity for the attorneys to ask prison supervisors about the drug supply did not take place as planned Friday because of a canceled court hearing.
As an increasing number of national medical organizations oppose participation in the controversial executions, it could be a challenge for Tennessee to find the drugs it needs.
“It’s certainly clear that it has become more difficult for states to find the drugs that their protocols say they are supposed to use,” said Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, which opposes the death penalty. “What the response to that will be is unclear.”
Full story: Attorneys: TDOC does not have lethal injection drugs