State appeals stay of execution in Hill case

ATLANTA (AP) -- The state has filed an appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court seeking to overturn a lower court's decision blocking the execution of death row inmate Warren Lee Hill.

The appeal filed Friday seeks an immediate review of the case. A Fulton County Superior Court judge last week halted the execution after Hill's attorneys challenged the constitutionality of a new state law barring the release of information about where Georgia obtains its execution drug.

State attorneys contend the law is constitutional and necessary to discourage retaliation against those who take part in executions. The state says the pentobarbital to be used for Hill's execution is set to expire Aug. 8.

Hill's attorneys have a separate appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying he shouldn't be executed because he's mentally disabled.