Prisoners in Arkansas Receive Payouts After Secret Ivermectin Treatment
A group of inmates in Arkansas who were unknowingly given ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment are now receiving compensation following the settlement of their legal case. Each of the five prisoners will be awarded $2,000, according to the settlement agreement made public by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas.
The ACLU’s executive director, Holly Dickson, praised the inmates for their bravery in standing up against the inhumane experimentation they endured at the Washington County Detention Center.
The lawsuit was filed in January 2022 against officials in Washington County and Dr. Robert Karas, the doctor who developed the treatment protocol that included ivermectin. The plaintiffs tested positive for COVID-19 in August 2021 and were given a daily cocktail of drugs while in quarantine at the detention center.
However, the inmates were never informed that the cocktail contained ivermectin. They were misled by Dr. Karas and his associates, who referred to the drugs as “vitamins,” “antibiotics,” or “steroids.” In reality, ivermectin is an anthelmintic drug approved by the FDA for malaria prevention and treatment, but it has been used off-label for COVID-19.
Complaints of Side Effects
The inmates’ lawyers argued that if their clients had been properly informed about the drugs they were given, including the potential side effects of ivermectin, they would have refused the treatment. The lawsuit stated that the plaintiffs experienced side effects such as diarrhea and stomach cramps after receiving ivermectin.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration building in White Oak, Md., on June 5, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)
Dr. Karas admitted that the inmates were given ivermectin as part of his treatment protocol but denied administering it without their consent. He argued that the inmates willingly accepted the drug and that they were informed about its off-label use.
The case was initially rejected by U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks, but it proceeded after the plaintiffs successfully asserted that their rights had been violated. However, the case was ultimately settled, with the plaintiffs dropping their claims in exchange for the $2,000 payout.
Dr. Karas expressed satisfaction with the outcome and highlighted the success of his treatment protocols at the detention center, which included not only ivermectin but also vitamin D, zinc, and the antibiotic doxycycline. He also mentioned that he had been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Arkansas State Medical Board.
What measures are being taken to revise the detention center’s medical policies and ensure informed consent for medical treatments in the future
-5″>According to the lawsuit, the inmates were not informed about the specific drugs they were being given, including ivermectin. They only became aware of the treatment after noticing the side effects, which they described as severe and debilitating.
Ivermectin, originally developed as an antiparasitic medication, gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as some people believed it could be used as a treatment for the virus. However, the FDA has consistently stated that there is insufficient evidence to support its use for COVID-19 treatment.
The use of ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment has been controversial, with conflicting opinions among medical professionals and regulatory bodies. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the FDA have cautioned against its use, while some studies and individuals have reported positive outcomes.
In this case, the inmates alleged that they experienced adverse effects from the treatment, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and severe mental and emotional distress. The lawsuit accused the detention center and Dr. Karas of negligence, cruel and unusual punishment, and violating their constitutional rights.
The settlement reached between the plaintiffs and the defendants includes the monetary compensation and an agreement to revise the detention center’s medical policies and procedures. Additionally, Dr. Karas is required to attend education and training on informed consent and medical ethics.
The case highlights the importance of informed consent in medical treatments, especially in vulnerable populations such as prisoners. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle that requires individuals to be fully informed about the risks and benefits of a treatment before giving their permission.
The Washington County Detention Center’s failure to properly inform the inmates about the drugs they were receiving raises concerns about the quality of medical care within the facility and the treatment of prisoners in general. It also raises questions about the use of experimental treatments in correctional institutions.
The ACLU’s involvement in the case signifies their commitment to protecting the rights of individuals, regardless of their circumstances. The organization played a crucial role in advocating for the inmates and ensuring they received compensation for the harm they suffered.
While the settlement provides some resolution for the five inmates involved in the case, it also serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for individuals’ rights within the criminal justice system.
As the use of ivermectin and other COVID-19 treatments continues to be debated, it is essential for medical professionals, regulatory bodies, and institutions to prioritize evidence-based practices, proper informed consent, and the well-being of patients. The experiences of the inmates in Arkansas demonstrate the potential dangers of using experimental treatments without adequate information and oversight.
This case should serve as a wake-up call for correctional facilities and healthcare providers to ensure that appropriate protocols are in place to protect prisoners’ rights and well-being. It emphasizes the need for clear guidelines, oversight, and accountability in the administration of medical treatments, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Ultimately, the settlement reached in this case is a step towards justice for the inmates who suffered as a result of the secret ivermectin treatment. It should serve as a reminder of the importance of ethical medical practices and the protection of individuals’ rights, regardless of their circumstances.
