Policy Tag: UAE

Adopted by the 194th WMA Council Session, Bali, April 2013

The World Medical Association is extremely concerned that Professor Cyril Karabus, a retired paediatric oncologist remains remanded on bail in the UAE despite a long and slow judicial process, which has absolved him of all the charges against him.

The WMA notes that the expert medical panel, appointed by the court to advise it whether there was any evidence against Professor Karabus, has advised the judge that Professor Karabus has no case to answer.  Consequently the judge dismissed all charges and a ruling of not guilty was given.  It also notes with concern that the prosecutors have indicated they will appeal the courts ruling meaning that Professor Karabus needs to remain in the UAE indefinitely.

Given the findings of the medical panel, the WMA believes that Professor Karabus is being treated in a manner, which fails to meet international fair trial standards and should be allowed to return home immediately.

In light of the above experience, the WMA will publish an advisory notice in the WMJ and on the WMA website to advise doctors thinking of working in the UAE to note the working conditions and the legal risks of employment there. The WMA will encourage member NMAs to publish similar advisory notices in their national publications.

Adopted by the 63rd WMA General Assembly, Bangkok, Thailand, October 2012

The WMA welcomes the bail granted on the 11th of October to the retired South African paediatric haematologist, 78-year-old Professor Cyril Karabus, as a positive step given his state of health; he has cardiac disease. Dr Karabus had been detained in an Abu Dhabi, UAE prison since August 18th 2012.  He was arrested in Dubai, whilst in transit to South Africa, owing to alleged charges emanating from a brief period that he worked in the UAE in 2002.

Professor Karabus was neither informed of the charges leveled against him nor the subsequent trial that was held in absentia relating to the unfortunate death of a child with acute leukemia under his care during his tenure in the UAE in 2002.  His defense lawyer has also been unable to access any documents or files relating to the case that may assist in providing a fair defense.

Therefore,

The WMA General Assembly urgently calls on the authorities of the United Arab Emirates to ensure that Professor Karabus:

  • Is guaranteed a fair trial according to international standards;
  • Has access to the relevant documents or information he may require to prepare his defense.