Wouter Basson

Wouter Basson

Wouter Basson is a South African physician and cardiologist, infamously known as "Dr. Death" for his leading role in Project Coast—the apartheid government's secret chemical and biological warfare program during the 1980s and early 1990s. Basson's work included the development and deployment of various substances aimed at controlling or eliminating perceived enemies of the apartheid state.

Early Life and Education

Wouter Basson was born in South Africa. Details about his early life are sparse, but he pursued a career in medicine, eventually becoming a cardiologist. His medical expertise led him into the military, where he became involved in clandestine operations.

Career

Basson's medical and military career took a dark turn when he was appointed head of Project Coast in 1981. Under his leadership, the project researched and produced chemical and biological weapons, including toxins and drugs intended for use against anti-apartheid activists and individuals deemed a threat to the apartheid regime.

Project Coast

Project Coast was South Africa's secret chemical and biological warfare program, initiated by the apartheid government. Under Basson's direction, the project developed various methods for deploying these agents, including attempts to create substances that would selectively target certain racial groups. The program also explored means of sterilization and assassination, contributing to Basson's notoriety.

Legal Proceedings

In the post-apartheid era, Wouter Basson faced legal action for his activities related to Project Coast. He was arrested in 1997 and charged with numerous offenses, including murder, fraud, and drug trafficking. However, after a lengthy trial, he was acquitted of all charges in 2002, a verdict that sparked controversy and outrage among human rights groups and the South African public.

Life After the Trials

Following his acquittal, Basson returned to practicing medicine, specifically cardiology. His continued medical licensure has been a point of contention, with ongoing efforts by some in the medical community and the public to have his medical license revoked due to ethical violations related to his work on Project Coast.

Controversies and Ethical Considerations

Basson's career and the activities of Project Coast have raised significant ethical questions about the role of medical professionals in military and covert operations, especially those involving violations of human rights and international law.

External Links

• South African History Online - Wouter Basson
• The Guardian - Wouter Basson Verdict

References

• Apartheid's Chemical and Biological Warfare Programme by Chandré Gould and Peter Folb
• Wouter Basson and the South African Chemical and Biological Weapons Program: An Overview by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

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