Karabus' appeal case postponed

23 April 2013 - 13:51 By Sapa
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Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Marius Fransman, right, with Professor Cyril Karabus outside the South African embassy in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. File photo.
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Marius Fransman, right, with Professor Cyril Karabus outside the South African embassy in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. File photo.
Image: JACOLINE PRINSLOO

The appeal case of local doctor Cyril Karabus in the United Arab Emirates was postponed on Tuesday, the international relations and co-operation department said.

Spokesman Clayson Monyela said the case would be heard on Monday.

He said while the government respected the independence of the UAE's judiciary, it believed Karabus's right to a fair trial was being violated.

"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," Deputy Minister Marius Fransman said.

"The South African government will continue to raise its concerns through the relevant diplomatic channels with the government of the UAE."

The 78-year-old South African paediatric oncologist has been detained in the UAE since August 18, after being sentenced in absentia for the death of a Yemeni girl he treated for leukaemia in 2002.

He was acquitted on the charge on March 21, but was not allowed to leave the country as the prosecutor appealed the decision.

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