In a letter to appear in Science, the scientists say that HIV was present in the hospital where the patients were treated, “and the most reasonable explanation is that poor infection control practices, including the lack of sterile, disposable injecting equipment, led to the spread” of HIV and other diseases.

The scientists said that the Libyan court relied on confessions extracted under torture.

British scientists, including Professor Lord Rees, President of the Royal Society and Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, wrote to The Times this month asking the United Nations, Arab countries, the US and European Union to exert their influence on President Gaddafi. (AP)

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