Could a deal to free the five Bulgarian nurses and one Palestinian doctor sentenced to death for infecting children in Libya with HIV finally be at hand?
On 1 June, a spokesman for the families of the children said that an agreement might be reached by 21 June. The six were convicted in December of deliberately infecting 426 children with HIV. All say they are innocent and were tortured to make them confess, blaming the infections on poor hospital hygiene. Libya has suggested it may free the six if an agreement is reached to pay compensation to the families.
Tripoli has demanded 卢10 million ($13.5 million) for each infected child鈥檚 family, but Bulgaria and its allies have rejected this, saying it would be an admission that the six were guilty. Instead they have offered to set up a fund for treating the children at European hospitals.
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On 1 June, US President George W. Bush reiterated his support for the medics, but Libya responded by warning foreign governments not to interfere. However, 鈥渢here are contacts and negotiations to find a solution satisfactory to all parties鈥�, the foreign ministry said in a statement two days later.
