Having Sexual Intercourse Despite Knowing HIV Infection... 32 Out of 57 People Infected

Sexual Relations with 57 Women Met Through Internet Chat
Health Authorities Conduct Epidemiological Investigation Using Chat Records

Exterior view of the Italian Supreme Court
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A man in his 30s from Italy has been sentenced to a heavy prison term for transmitting the virus to more than 30 women through reckless sexual activity, despite knowing that he was infected with the virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

According to local media such as Italy's "Il Messaggero," the Rome Court of Appeal on the 19th (local time) sentenced Mr. A (36), who was charged with grievous bodily harm, to 24 years in prison in a retrial after remand.

Mr. A is accused of having sexual relations with 57 women he met through internet chat sites over eight months from March 2015, after learning he was an HIV carrier, until his arrest by investigative authorities in November of the same year, transmitting HIV to 32 of them.

It was confirmed in the prosecution investigation that he intentionally committed these acts after contracting HIV.

Upon notification of these facts from the investigative authorities, the health authorities conducted an epidemiological investigation based on chat records on the man's computer and reportedly identified almost all the women who had relations with him.

Mr. A was convicted and sentenced to 24 years in prison in the first trial, but the sentence was reduced to 22 years in the appeal trial, citing unclear infection routes for four of the victimized women.

However, the Supreme Court overturned the appeal ruling on the grounds that "there was an error in the appeal judgment" and remanded the case with the intention that all charges should be recognized, ultimately confirming the sentence at 24 years, the same as the first trial.