By Martin Banks - 17th January 2007
The European commission today pledged to “redouble” its efforts to secure the release of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor in Libya.
The six deny infecting 426 children with HIV at a hospital in Libya in the late 1990s.
More than 50 have since died, according to the Libyan authorities.
Many western diplomats and scientists believe poor hygiene standards were responsible for the infections and that the medics became scapegoats.
After being arrested eight years ago, they were sentenced to death for a second time by a Libyan court last month.
Speaking during a debate on the issue at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Jacques Barrot, the EU transport commissioner, said the commission was “very determined” to secure the release of the six defendants.
Describing the case as a “major tragedy” for Bulgaria, Barrot said the executive regarded it as a “priority” matter and would “redouble” its efforts to free them.
However, he said this was a “very sensitive” issue and that the EU must be mindful of not “jeopardising wider issues”.
During the debate, several MEPs echoed Barrott's comments and also called for the medics to be freed.
After their arrests, the six health professionals were first sentenced to death in May 2004.
Under international pressure, Libya’s supreme court later ordered a retrial which led to them being sentenced to death for a second time in December.
The now highly politicised case is complicating Libya’s effort to normalise its international ties.
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