According to a source from the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, a decision on the five nurses and a Palestinian facing the death sentence in Libya for allegedly infecting children with HIV virus could be made by the end of 2005. As Libya’s leader, Gadaffi, tries to improve relations with the West, this case has proved to be a serious obstacle.
The six health care professionals were charged and sentenced for deliberately infecting over 400 children with the HIV virus. To date, over 50 of the kids have died of AIDS.
The USA, the EU and Bulgaria have agreed to offer financial support for the families of the infected children. There is growing hope if the financial aid is enough, the six health care professionals might have their sentences quashed.
A hearing is expected on Christmas day, and hopefully a final verdict around the holiday season, a Bulgarian foreign ministry spokesman said.
The six health care professionals say they are not guilty. They claim their confessions were obtained as a result of torture. Experts say the HIV outbreak was already developing before the six people ever set foot in Libya.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today