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Ethical and Legal Consideration of Prisoner’s Hunger Strike in Serbia†

  1. Djordje Alempijevic M.D., Ph.D.1,
  2. Snezana Pavlekic M.D., Ph.D.1,
  3. Dragan Jecmenica M.D., Ph.D.1,
  4. Aleksandra Nedeljkov M.D.1,
  5. Milos Jankovic J.D.2

Article first published online: 25 JAN 2011

DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01669.x

Issue

Journal of Forensic Sciences

Journal of Forensic Sciences

Volume 56, Issue 2, pages 547–550, March 2011

Additional Information

How to Cite

Alempijevic, D., Pavlekic, S., Jecmenica, D., Nedeljkov, A. and Jankovic, M. (2011), Ethical and Legal Consideration of Prisoner’s Hunger Strike in Serbia. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 56: 547–550. doi: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01669.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 31a Deligradska Street, Belgrade 11000, Serbia.

  2. 2

    Ombudsman of Republic of Serbia, 16 Deligradska Street, Belgrade 11000, Serbia.

*Additional information and reprint requests: Djordje Alempijevic, M.D., Ph.D. Institute of Forensic Medicine 31a Deligradska Street Belgrade 11000, Serbia E-mail: djolea@fon.rs

  1. †

    Presented at 4th Congress of Mediterranean Academy of Forensic Sciences, October 14-18, 2009, Antalya, Turkey.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 22 FEB 2011
  2. Article first published online: 25 JAN 2011
  3. Received 3 Nov. 2009; and in revised form 2 Feb. 2010; accepted 7 Mar. 2010.

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Keywords:

  • forensic science;
  • hunger strike;
  • drug abuse;
  • autopsy;
  • prison;
  • human rights;
  • ombudsman

Abstract:  Hunger strike of prisoners and detainees remains a major human rights and ethical issue for medical professionals. We are reporting on a case of a 48-year-old male sentenced prisoner, intravenous heroin user, who went on a hunger strike and died 15 days later. Throughout the fasting period, the prisoner, who was capable of decision making, refused any medical examination. Autopsy findings were not supporting prolonged starvation, while toxicology revealed benzodiazepines and opiates in blood and urine. Cause of death was given as “heroin intoxication” in keeping with detection of 6-MAM. Legal and ethical issues pertinent to medical examination and treatment of prisoners on hunger strike are explored in accordance with legislation and professional ethical standards in Serbia. A recommendation for the best autopsy practice in deaths following hunger strike has been made.

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