In May 2025, the Bostanlyk District Court held an open hearing concerning a woman charged with knowingly placing another person at risk of HIV infection. The accused had been under medical supervision for HIV since May 2024 and had signed a formal warning acknowledging her legal responsibilities.
However, she allegedly engaged in repeated unprotected sexual contact with a long-time acquaintance during the summer of 2024 without disclosing her health status. The other party was not infected and testified that he was unaware of her diagnosis. He expressed no intent to pursue civil or criminal claims and requested leniency.
The defendant admitted guilt, expressed remorse, and stated that she had not known who had infected her. She was a divorced mother of two young children and the family’s sole breadwinner. The prosecution and defense presented testimonies, official medical records, and documentation confirming her prior notification and risk behavior.
The court found the accused guilty under Part 4, Article 113 of the Criminal Code. Considering mitigating factors—such as her confession, lack of prior convictions, dependent children, and the absence of transmission—the court opted for a reduced sentence under Article 57: 3 years of restricted liberty, adjusted to 2 years, 11 months, and 6 days to account for pretrial custody.
Conditions were set such a nighttime curfew, residence and travel restrictions, prohibition from attending public events etc.
The court lifted her pretrial detention and ordered her immediate release under probation supervision. Both parties were informed of their right to appeal or pursue civil claims related to the matter.
