Prostitute with AIDS – a Criminal or Victim?

The case of Elnara Ahmedova – a 17-year-old prostitute with AIDS, caused big reaction within the society. Being aware of her disease, she had sexual intercourse with about 200 men since 2003, two of which have already confirmed AIDS infection. The current arguments are now about if the prostitute is a criminal or a victim of unfortunate circumstances. (11-JUL-07)

Written by Shahla Ismailova/ HRH Baku

Though Elnara Ahmedova was aware of her disease since 2003, she continued to have the sexual intercourse with men. She explains this fact with her financial situation “I had to maintain myself and I had no job”, said Elnara. She can name only 100 men, but as a matter of fact, according to the AIDS Test Center, there is a rise in the number of people attending the Center. The men who had sexual intercourse with Elnara, after TV and newspaper coverage, decided to pass testing.
It is also necessary to report that Elnara Ahmedova was pregnant and recently she had abortion at the clinic. After the disclosure she was arrested and now she is being detained in the isolation cell in Shuvalan investigation point.

Recently Elmira Suleymanova (right), Ombudsman, of Azerbaijan Republic, together with the representatives of the Center of Struggle against AIDS, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Internal Affairs visited the girl. They got acquainted with Elnara’s detain conditions, physical and mental health of the girl.

The case attracted broad public attention as the public opinion is factually split. Some consider Elnara a criminal, while others soften down her actions by unfortunate circumstances.
The story of unemployed young girl who is a victim of this uneasy life is also argumented by the numerous human rights organizations.