HIV-positive lifer says ‘kill me’

[1]

After spending 12 years in prison, an HIV+ lifer at Salem Central Jail has made a euthanasia plea to the state and central governments.

Lorry-owner Periasamy, 40, of Panamarathupatti was convicted in 2001 of murdering a driver in 1997 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Eight years ago, the bachelor was diagnosed HIV+ while serving his term at Coimbatore Central Prison and moved to a cell reserved for such patients.

His request for a transfer to Salem jail since Coimbatore prison staff was not providing him prescribed medicines was granted February last year.

On Saturday, Periasamy wrote a letter to the President, chief minister, chief justice of Madras High Court and others claiming he was not being given proper food or medication by Salem prison staff and was being discriminated against.

“I request you to ensure proper food and medication or grant me euthanasia and end my misery,” he said.

Salem jail superintendent S. Parameswaran, however, denied his claim. “Once every two weeks, doctors attend to all six HIV+ inmates of the prison and prescribe medication and food. We diligently follow the advice. But Periasamy wants beef and other food not allowed in prison,” he said.