South African Press Association - June 1, 2005

The angered parents, some of them carrying symbolic empty coffins, protested that the court decision was not fair to their children infected with the virus six years ago. Mothers screamed "Death sentence, death sentence!" as they rushed toward the court door. Some brawled with police and were turned away.

Other parents said they would rather get a financial compensation to treat their children.

But the court decision to put off its ruling until November 15 was a cause for optimism in Bulgaria and elsewhere in Europe.

Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov -- who met with the five Bulgarian medics on Saturday in Tripoli and later toured a hospital where the children were treated -- welcomed the decision, saying he hoped it would "clear the path to a full explanation of the tragedy and to a just ruling on the case of our compatriots, in whose innocence we are convinced".

EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the decision "shows that at least some reconsideration of our arguments is there".

She also visited the five Bulgarians and a sixth Palestinian doctor last week and discussed the issue with Libyan leader Moammar Gadaffi.

The six medical workers -- rounded up in 1999 -- were sentenced to death in May 2004 on charges they infected the children with HIV-contaminated blood in an experiment to find a cure for Aids.

Libya said about 50 of the infected children have died. Human rights groups allege Libya concocted the charges to cover up unhygienic practices in its hospitals.

Under Libyan law, death sentences are automatically appealed. About 200 parents and children gathered in front of the court, blocking traffic and hurling insults at the defendants' lawyer. They carried pictures of the infected children and black banners, one of which read: "What if they were Bulgarian Children?"

Children also lined up the sidewalk, lying next to the black coffins. "What is the guilt of those innocent children?" read another poster.

Ibrahim al-Oreibi, father of 8-year-old Sanad, said he was certain the medics were responsible for his son's infection and was disappointed the execution was postponed.

"The case has taken so long. We and our children are paying the price," he said. "[The medics] must be punished for this heinous crime."

Idris Lagha, who heads an association for the infected children, said the court decision must be respected. "But we hope others also respect its decision," he said, referring to international condemnation of the death sentences.

"Despite my respect for the judiciary and the court, slow justice is a form of injustice," Abdullah al-Maghrabi, an attorney for the children, told The Associated Press.

Human rights groups have accused the Libyan government of concocting the charges to cover up unsafe practices in its hospitals and clinics. The United States, Europe and Bulgaria have pressed Libya to free the medics.

On Tuesday, the European Commission spokesperson Emma Udwin said the commission has offered medical help to Libya.

"We are offering the best of European medical expertise and know-how in tackling this disease (HIV/Aids) to the Libyan authorities," she said, adding that the EU visit to Libya last week was to stress to the authorities as well as the families "the importance and the relevance of the aid we're offering".

The US-based Physicians for Human Rights said that the postponement dashed hopes that the medics would be freed.

"We are disappointed to learn that the Libyan Supreme Court has delayed an opportunity to release the nurses and physician," the group said in a statement. It called for their release on "human rights and humanitarian grounds".

Libya has called on Bulgaria to pay compensation to the victims' families, but Bulgaria has rejected that demand. Libyan officials have suggested the death sentences could be reconsidered if the families of the victims were compensated and those still alive were treated.

Saleh Omran, the father of a 16-year old infected girl, said he cared less for the court decision and would rather get "fair" compensation.

"All I care about is the treatment of my daughter, which my country is responsible for providing," he told AP.

"Executing the death sentence won't help me in treating my daughter."

Libya, once an international pariah, has turned new pages with many Western countries since 2003, when Gadaffi accepted responsibility and agreed to pay compensation for the families killed in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am airliner over Lockerbie, Scotland. He has also renounced his aspirations to become a nuclear power.

050601
SA050601

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. 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, 2005. 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. .