Dr. Death's supporters fear for his safety, predict OJ Simpson style media frenzy

Melbourne, July 22 : Supporters of Indian origin surgeon Dr Jayant Patel fear for his safety, predicting a "OJ Simpson" style frenzy from the media and public following his release on bail.

Dr. Patel, an Indian trained US citizen, has been behind bars since his arrest in Portland, Oregon, on March 11.

Texas-based surgeon Vijay Mehta, Dr. Patel's most vocal supporter, said he feared his friend could be attacked once released into the public.

Dr. Mehta also is concerned for Patel's wife, Kishoree, and a small group of American friends and family who will travel from the US to Australia to support Dr. Patel during his court proceedings.

"I hope the Australian Government protects him completely and the other people who come over. They need to ensure they don't get bullied by somebody or kicked out, or actually hurt by somebody who is angry," he said.

"We have raised the level of anger to an unproportional dignity. This is a frenzy that I have not seen since OJ Simpson," Dr. Mehta added.

The magistrate's decision to grant bail to Dr. Patel has buoyed his supporters, who feared that the surgeon would suffer mentally if he remained in jail.

Meanwhile, Dr. Patel today appealed for privacy after being released on bail after spending five months in custody.

Dr Patel, 58, was behind bars last night after arriving in Brisbane from Los Angeles yesterday to face Brisbane Magistrates Court following his voluntary extradition from the US.

His release from the Brisbane watchhouse at 5p.m. (AEST) today after posting 20,000 dollars bail was the first time since March 11 he has been out of custody.

His lawyer Arun Raniga said his client was tired and wanted to be left alone.

"He will be staying at an undisclosed residential location and will now start preparing his defence, once he has recovered from his sleep and gets a bit of rest," Raniga said.

"We ask that you respect his privacy and try and leave him in peace. He won't be making any public statements or answering any questions until his trial is over," he added.

Detail of Dr Patel's new accommodation is the subject of a suppression order, but he has surrendered his passport and must stay within Queensland, reporting to police three days a week, The Australian reported.

Dr Patel faces 14 charges including manslaughter, grievous bodily harm and fraud, relating to his time at Bundaberg Base Hospital between 2003 and 2005.

ANI