Libyan court confirms Bulgarians sentences

Libyan court confirms Bulgarians sentences

The ruling was the final step of the judicial process and from now on efforts to free the medics will be negotiated on a political level, analysts and law experts said after the decision was announced.

“It’s a pity for the judicial system of Libya. … From now on, the hard political talks at the highest level start,” defense lawyer Hari Haralampiev told Bulgarian National Radio, BNR, from Tripoli.

This is the third confirmation of the death sentences of the five Bulgarian nurses—Kristiana Vulcheva, Nasya Nenova, Snezhana Dimitrova, Valentina Siropulo and Valya Chervenyashka—and a Palestinian doctor, Ashraf el-Hajouj, who received Bulgarian citizenship in June.

The medics have been in prison since February 1999, when they were arrested in connection with an HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Benghazi children’s hospital where they were working. They were charged with deliberately infecting around 400 Libyan children with the HIV virus.

Disregarding reports by international scientists who insisted that the epidemic was due to the poor hygienic conditions at the hospital, a Libyan court sentenced all six to death in May 2004.  The sentences were confirmed in December 2006 following a retrial ordered by Libya’s Supreme Court.

“This is a political sentence,” Vittorio Colizzi, an AIDS researcher who authored a report which pointed to the innocence of the medics, told BNR. “I understand the situation in Libya, but this sentence is against the truth, against the evidence presented, and against any kind of justice.”

The cassation court’s decision is expected to mark a switch in Bulgarian efforts to free the medical workers. Bulgaria’s Chief prosecutor Boris Velchev said it may be easier for the medics to be pardoned.

“The death sentences give an opportunity to search for a decision on a political level,” he said.

Idris Laga, head of an association of the HIV-infected children and their families, announced on Wednesday that an agreement for financial compensation will be announced in the next two days between his association and the Qaddafi Foundation, which has acted as a mediator with the international community. The foundation is headed by Seif Qaddafi, son of Libyan ruler Muammar Qaddafi.

The Libyan Supreme Judicial Council, a political body, will review the sentences on July 16. It can either revoke or confirm them.

Analysts say that its decision will be based on the agreement for compensating the families.

“What will happen from now on, only God knows,” said Vulcheva’s husband, Dr. Zdravko Georgiev. He was acquitted on the same charges but remains in Libya. “We have always hoped for a miracle and we hope for a miracle now."