EU concerned over Aids verdict
2004-05-06 16:49
Brussels - The European Commission said on Thursday it was extremely concerned by a Libyan court ruling passing death sentences on six Bulgarian health workers and a Palestinian doctor convicted of spreading Aids.
"The commission is extremely concerned and deeply disappointed," said a spokesperson for the EU executive, which only last week hosted a landmark visit by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, during which the court case was raised.
The court in the northern Libyan city of Benghazi justified its sentence of death by firing squad as in line with a law which stipulates capital punishment for whoever causes the death of more than one person.
"The EU has repeatedly expressed its serious concerns regarding the conduct of the investigations, the treatment of the defendants and the delays in bringing the case to a conclusion," the Brussels spokesperson said.
"The European Union has also expressed (concern over) the lack of compelling evidence of the culpability of the defendants," added the spokesperson, Gerassimos Thomas.
Gaddafi held talks with Commission head Romano Prodi last Tuesday, during his first visit to Europe in 15 years. Afterwards Prodi expressed hope that the Bulgarian case would be resolved soon.
The Brussels spokesperson said that Prodi had only just heard about the Libyan verdict, and declined to answer any more questions about the case, saying a written statement would be released later in the day.