Jury selection begins in HIV murder trial

The jury selection in the trial of an HIV-positive man charged with first-degree murder in the death of two of his sex partners is scheduled to begin in Hamilton, Ont., on Monday.

Johnson Aziga, 52, is believed to be the first HIV-positive person in Canada to be charged with murder after allegedly having unprotected sex and passing on the deadly virus that causes AIDS.

Two women he allegedly had unprotected sex with died of AIDS-related complications. One of the Toronto women died in December 2003 and the other died in May 2004.

Ugandan-born Aziga is also accused of 13 counts of aggravated sexual assault, which includes 11 other women he allegedly had sex with and with whom he did not disclose he was HIV positive.

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled one partner cannot give true consent for sexual relations if the other fails to tell partners about an HIV infection.

As a result, the deaths of the two women are considered to have resulted from sexual assaults, which automatically calls for first-degree murder charges that carry an automatic life sentence.

The aggravated sexual assault charges carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

Aziga's trial has been delayed many times due to adjournments sought by the defence. Aziga has fired three legal teams leading up to the trial.

Aziga's trial now is expected to begin on Oct. 20.