Due process or French farce?: France's 'contaminated blood' trial is a reminder that witch-hunts, however well disguised in legal formalities, are not substitute for a credible, wide-ranging and dispassionate judicial inquiry
Article Abstract:
France's 'contaminated blood' trial is continuing with the trial of former prime minister Laurent Fabius, and three former ministers, charged with 'involuntary homicide' in the handling of the threat of HIV contaminated blood supply in 1985. The court has undertaken ad hoc questioning of defendants and witnesses, which has led to protests from victims infected with HIV through transfusions who believe that justice may not be done. A French researcher has told the court that his research showed no link of cause and effect between introducing the diagnostic tests and level of contaminations.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Scientists defend French ex-ministers in blood trial
Article Abstract:
Several prominent AIDS scientists have challenged the prosecution's case against three former ministers in the 'contaminated blood' affair in France. A key allegation is that the introduction of a US screening test was delayed to protect the market for a French test. However an AIDS researcher has stated concerns that screening could actually increase the contamination of blood supplies, and that available tests can still give false negatives. Another researcher claimed there is no link of cause and effect between the introduction of diagnostic tests and the levels of contamination.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Doctors' dilemma paralyses French medicine
Article Abstract:
French physicians are worried about a new law passed by the French government which imposes fines for physicians who accept any form of payment from pharmaceutical firms will be liable for fines up to 500,000 French francs. Physicians claim that the law, which intends to discourage partisan prescribing, will also inhibit biomedical research as well as scientific conferences, a large portion of which has been traditionally sponsored by the drug industry.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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