Libyan Court Delays Verdict in HIV Case

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Libyan Court Delays Verdict in HIV Case

New York Times (12.23.01) - Wednesday, December 26, 2001
Associated Press

A Libyan court postponed its verdict Saturday in the case of six Bulgarians and a Palestinian, all doctors and nurses, accused of injecting 393 children with blood contaminated with HIV. It was the second time in four months that the judges postponed their verdict. They were originally scheduled to hand down a ruling in September. The long-running trial, which began in February 1999, has drawn international criticism. Critics charge that Libya may be trying to divert attention from horrendous conditions at state-run hospitals. Defense lawyer Othman el- Bexanti told the court that the infections stemmed from poor hygiene at the hospital and the reuse of syringes.

The indictment said the infection was part of a conspiracy by foreign intelligence to undermine Libya's security and its role in the Arab world and Africa. The five Bulgarian nurses, a Bulgarian doctor and a Palestinian doctor said they are not guilty of the charges of murder and conspiracy.

Bulgaria said it welcomed the court's decision to delay the verdict. "For us the delay is encouraging as it means that as of today there is no solid evidence that could warrant the most severe sentences," a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry said. Justice Minister Anton Stankov, a former judge, agreed. "This is a positive sign," he said. "From my experience I know that long delays are always favorable for the defendants. We view the court's decision for a new delay as a sign of its determination to uncover the truth."
011226
AD012229

Copyright © 2001 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.