A convicted murderer and rapist serving a life sentence in a Belgian prison has won the right to die – not by execution, but by euthanasia.
The approval for Frank Van Den Bleeken came after a three-year legal battle during which the 50-year-old prisoner fought for his right to take his own life in this country with liberal assisted suicide laws.
Van Den Bleeken – who has been in prison for 30 years – has said he’s been under “unbearable psychological anguish” and is unable to control his violent sexual urges so he would rather die.
“If people commit a sexual crime, help them to deal with it. Just locking them up helps no one: not the person, not society and not the victims,” Van Den Bleeken was quoted as saying.
He had requested a transfer to a specialized psychiatric center in Holland, but the request was denied.
His lawyer said previous psychiatric evaluations had concluded that Van Den Bleeken was enduring a miserable existence being locked up.
“Over recent years, he has been seen by several doctors and psychologists, and their conclusion is that he is suffering, and suffering unbearably,” said attorney Jos Vander Velpen.
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