Justice hopes persist for Bulgarian and Palestinian medics in Libya

11.35.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 12th Jul 2007

The European Parliament has expressed solidarity with the six medical staff - five Bulgarian nurses and one Palestinian doctor - whose death sentences in Libya have been confirmed. MEPs called for the revocation of the death penalty and the release of the medics.

But the circumstances keep alive hopes of a just resolution soon. The matter has been referred to a session on Monday of the High Judiciary Council, which can overrule the Supreme Court, and a financial settlement has reportedly been agreed with the children's families.

Liberal Democrat MEP for London Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"The decision of the Libyan Supreme Court to confirm their death sentences is disappointing and distressing for the six and their families. However, it is clear that this is not the end of the story."

"The Libyan authorities now have the opportunity to show clemency, commute these sentences and release the six. I am hopeful that our message will be heard by them, in the interests of both justice and better relations with Europe."

"MEPs extend every sympathy to the child victims of the HIV/AIDS infection at the Benghazi hospital and welcome the European and international assistance for treatment and better facilities there. But the tragedy that has happened to them will not be ameliorated by injustice for the foreign medical staff."