Beacon NewsFlashes – November 25, 2009
Michigan Man Faces Unprecedented HIV-Related Terrorism Charges – An HIV-positive man from Michigan, Daniel Allen, has been charged with assault, assault with intent to maim, and possession or use of a harmful device. The final charge was based on a law passed in Michigan after the September 11 terrorist attacks. This is the first known case to name HIV as a bioterrorism weapon. According to Allen, who is homosexual, the attack was a hate crime targeted at his sexuality, and was initiated by his neighbor, Winfred Fernandis, Jr. During the attack, Allen bit Fernandis’ lip, which is why the bioterrorism charge was made. For more information, please see The Michigan Messenger Web site.
Doctors Without Borders Produces New Documentary, “The Positive Ladies Soccer Club” – Doctors Without Borders is screening a new documentary, “The Positive Ladies Soccer Club,” which follows a group of HIV-positive women from Zimbabwe who formed a soccer team and competed for a tournament trophy. Although ridiculed for being women and for having HIV, the women persevered, helping to fight the stigma of HIV in their community. The movie was recently screened at the Bath Film Festival on November 15 and was directed by Joanna Stavropoulou, a Field Communications Officer for Doctors Without Borders. For more information, please see “The Positive Ladies Soccer Club” Web site.
Indian Drug Company, Ranbaxy, Receives WHO Pre-Qualification For Crixivan – Earlier this month, an Indian drug company, Ranbaxy, received pre-qualification from the World Health Organization (WHO) to produce a generic version of Crixivan (indinavir). Pre-qualification serves as a guide to United Nations affiliated agencies and countries looking for drug suppliers. For more information, please see the Ranbaxy Web site.
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