ANC WELCOMES KARABUS RELEASE

The ANC welcomes the news that Prof Cyril Karabus (77) was cleared of charges in the United Arab Emirates this morning. It clears the way for Karabus to return to South Africa in a few days after he was convicted in absentia of trumped up charges following the death of a toddler of three years old.

On Tuesday the emeritus professor of the University of Cape Town, a specialist paediatric oncologist, was absolved from blame by a UAE medical review committee.

This followed months of diplomatic and other interaction to get Karabus out of jail and the three year sentence reversed.

The ANC is glad this tough period is now over for Karabus, his family, friends and many compatriots assisting him.

The ANC thanks the South African government, the department of international relations and co-operation and its deputy minister Marius Fransman's personal commitment, leadership and prioritising the matter during this process over months.

The ANC thanks the UAE and all communities who joined hands across borders with government and the ANC to assist in finalising the case. The ANC joins many South Africans who eagerly await Karabus' return.

Statement issued by Phillip Dexter, ANC Western Cape, March 21 2013

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