SA Government disappointed with further postponement in Prof. Karabus case

23 Apr 2013

The South African Government has today, 23 April 2013, taken note of the postponement - yet again - in the case of Professor Cyril Karabus, who has been going through a prolonged court case in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since August 2012.

The appeal case has now been postponed to 29 April 2013.

The case relates to the unfortunate death of a three-year-old cancer patient that Prof Karabus treated in 2002/03. Prof Karabus was arrested whilst transiting through Dubai in August 2012. 

Whilst respecting the independence of the judicial authorities in the UAE, the South African Government believes the failure by the UAE authorities to bring the case to a speedy and a just conclusion is in violation of Prof Karabus's right to a fair trial

Deputy Minister Marius Fransman said: "We are disappointed that the judicial authorities in the UAE have once again seen it fit to further prolong the stressful ordeal that Prof. Karabus has been going through since August 2012.

"The South African Government will continue to raise its concerns through the relevant diplomatic channels with the Government of the UAE regarding the case of the 78-year-old Prof. Karabus."

Statement issued by Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, April 23 2013

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