Victims of brain butcher doctor renew calls for Sam Eljamel to face justice in Scotland

Labour MSPs yesterday demanded justice for the victims of brain butcher surgeon Sam Eljamel, six years after his botched operations were exposed.

Since those initial complaints were made by two victims, more than 100 former patients have come forward to say they suffered botched operations by the Libyan neurosurgeon – who has fled Scotland for his homeland.

But no decision has been made on whether to prosecute the former NHS Tayside doctor.

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Campaigners Jules Rose and Pat Kelly took their protest to Bell Street Police Station in Dundee
Campaigners Jules Rose and Pat Kelly took their protest to Bell Street Police Station in Dundee -Credit:Tony Nicoletti/Reach PLC

Victims Jules Rose and Pat Kelly joined other protesters outside Dundee Police Headquarters yesterday to demand criminal proceedings against Eljamel.

They were backed by Labour’s leader Anas Sarwar, health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie, and Dundee MSP Michael Marra, who have now written to the Lord ­Advocate Dorothy Bain and Chief Constable Jo Farrell demanding justice.

In the letter, they wrote: “You may be aware that Wednesday, September 11, marks six years since Jules Rose and Pat Kelly were the first victims to lodge a complaint to Police Scotland in connection with NHS Tayside and the disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel.

A cake made by the protestors
A cake made by the protestors -Credit:Tony Nicoletti/Reach PLC

Police Scotland have now received over 100 complaints from patients whose lives have been destroyed by Eljamel. To date, the victims are still awaiting a decision as to whether any criminality has taken place.”

The MSPs called for a “full update” on actions taken by Police Scotland to date. Campaigners want Eljamel extradited from Libya to face charges over his botched surgeries at Ninewells Hospital.

Jules, who had a tear duct removed by Eljamel instead of a brain tumour, and Pat, whose spinal operation was botched and almost caused his death, donned bloodied scrubs outside the police HQ. The two are concerned more people are dying while authorities “dither”.

Jules said: “Quite frankly, we are fed up waiting. It is not acceptable. This is taking a toll on all our mental health. Yet again we have to resort to making noise and action just to be heard.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “This is an extremely complex and protracted investigation which is being investigated by the Major Investigation Team to ensure it has the experience and specialist knowledge required.

“Enquiries remain ongoing and we continue to work alongside partner agencies.”

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