Judge throws out Ohio inmates’ lethal injection lawsuit

COLUMBUS (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by four death row inmates who challenged a new state law that shields the names of companies providing lethal injection drugs.

The inmates argue the law violates free speech rights. They sought to stop the provisions from taking effect in March.

But Judge Gregory Frost ruled Tuesday the inmates lacked standing to challenge the law. He wrote that the law doesn’t suppress speech or the ability to oppose the death penalty.

In a filing last month, Ohio attorneys said the law denies inmates access to information in the state’s hands, which is not the same thing as suppressing free speech.

The law is meant to restart Ohio executions delayed by a lack of drugs.

An inmate’s attorney says he will appeal.