Global Security Newswire
Daily News on Nuclear, Biological & Chemical Weapons, Terrorism and Related Issues
Former South African Biowarfare Chief Loses Appeal in Professional Probe
The one-time manager of South Africa's apartheid-era biological and chemical weapons programs has lost a legal appeal for the dismissal of four ethics charges leveled against him by a professional review board, the BBC reported on Friday (see GSN, Jan. 26).
Cardiologist Wouter Basson, nicknamed "Dr. Death," had sought nullification of the four charges under review by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The council launched a probe in 2000 into possible unethical behavior by Basson as part of the South African military's Project Coast program.
Available findings might constitute reasonable proof for Basson to be found guilty, board Chairman Jannie Hugo said. Basson was absolved in criminal court in 2002, but he could lose his permit to practice medicine in an eventual ruling.
Deliberations are due to continue on March 27 (BBC News, Jan. 27).
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South Africa
This article provides an overview of South Africa’s historical and current policies relating to nuclear, chemical, biological and missile proliferation.
