Media not allowed at HIV blood transfusion case hearings

The Criminal Court has refused to reveal any information related to the hearings on the case against the Indian laboratory technician, who has been accused of negligence in the transfusion of HIV positive blood to a pregnant woman at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in February 2014.

Spokesperson at Criminal Court Ahmed Mohamed Manik, when contacted by Sun Online regarding the second hearing of this case held today, said that it was not possible to reveal any information as the hearing was held behind closed doors.

Media was also not allowed at the first hearing, held on 25 August. Sun Online has been informed however that at this hearing, the suspect requested to appoint a defence lawyer, which was granted by the court.

Rajesh Bhaskaran, 32, from Kerala, India, has been charged with ‘Disobedience to order authorized by Shari’ah or Law’ under Article 88 (c) of the Penal Code, which states that where such disobedience is likely to cause death of a person, the offender shall be subjected to exile or imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding MVR 1,000.

Unlike the Criminal Court, the Juvenile Court shares with the media some information related to confidential hearings.